A novel framework and effective scheduling of cross-docking center for multi-objective truck Scheduling Problem

Cross-docking is a technique used for scheduling the vehicles in distribution centers more effectively. Cross-Docking Centre (CDC) acts as a temporary distribution center that undergoes three important functions i.e., the goods from inbound trucks are continuously sorted, consolidated and then loaded onto outbound trucks for delivery to the customers. In this paper, an effective Cross-docking framework by considering the different performance measures in inbound and outbound doors has been developed. Subsequently, a multi-objective linear programming model has been developed for optimizing the objectives i.e., minimization of earliness and tardiness for the outbound trucks in a stochastic environment. Moreover, with FLEXSIM based simulation approach the analysis has been conducted and the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Finally, the results are evaluated and validated.