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Truckline Planning
For a trucking company, developing and maintaining an optimal service network (optimal network and optimal linehaul schedule), is a challenging operational problem. With reduced shipment volumes in the past few years and ever-increasing competition, maintaining the optimal service network is critical for success. The Truckline Network Planning System (TNPS) is an interactive, web-based system that allows service planners to develop and maintainan optimal service network. TNPS determines the following:

  • optimal hub location,
  • origin, destination, and schedule for trucks
  • routing of shipments on trucks, and
  • truck capacity utilization.
    • The optimal service network planning problem is a very complex decision problem. We have developed an optimization engine to solve this problem and embedded it within TNPS. This engine uses state-of-the-art mathematical modeling and computer algorithms to solve this planning problem within hours. TNPS is a user-friendly and interactive system where the user can make changes to the linehaul schedule and assess the impacts of these changes on cost, truck volumes, and service commitments within seconds. It allows the user to perform a variety of what-if studies and create different scenarios for these studies. User-friendly forms, reports, charts, and maps permit the user to perform an in-depth analysis of any solution before implementing it. TNPS enables the user to identify opportunities for cost reduction through minor changes to the linehaul schedule.

    Potential applications of TNPS include:

  • determine hub locations and the linehaul schedule that minimizes system-wide operating costs,
  • perform in-depth analysis of a linehaul schedule through various reports and maps,
  • assess the impact of change in service on operational costs, and
  • aid service design planners in improving the network and the linehaul schedule.
    • TNPS is available for demonstration, pilot studies, or licensing. You can determine the potential benefits of TNPS through a pilot study specifically designed for your company.
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