Crowd-Based Multi-Echelon Routing Problem with Roaming Delivery and Mobile Intermediate Transfer Locations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Industrial Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Industrial Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The Vehicle Routing Problem with Roaming Delivery Locations (VRPRDL) represents a recent innovation in last-mile delivery, wherein a customer's order is delivered to the trunk of their vehicle, which may be parked at various locations across different time windows. In this Paper, we introduce a novel crowd-based multi-echelon variant of the vehicle routing problem with roaming delivery locations (crowd-based ME-VRPRDL). This model integrates a flexible multi-echelon logistics structure with hybrid intermediate transfer locations (satellites), which can be either mobile or stationary. The flexibility in our approach allows the optimal solution to dynamically adapt between single-echelon and multi-echelon configurations, depending on the specific problem parameters and constraints. In the proposed model, crowd shippers—individuals who assist with deliveries—are assigned to intermediate satellites based on their availability and time windows, enabling more efficient and dynamic resource allocation. To address the complexity of this problem, we develop an innovative heuristic algorithm that combines node classification with a greedy optimization approach. This algorithm is particularly tailored to handle the unique challenges posed by occasional crowd shippers and hybrid satellite configurations. Our findings demonstrate that the integration of multi-echelon logistics systems with crowd shipping and strategically placed satellites offers significant potential to optimize last-mile delivery operations. Specifically, it reduces delivery costs and travel times while leveraging underutilized resources in the logistics network. The study underscores the value of combining traditional and crowd-based delivery mechanisms in achieving more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for modern logistics challenges.

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Advances in Industrial Engineering
Volume 59, Issue 2
December 2025
Pages 401-424

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