A time-space network based international transportation scheduling problem incorporating CO2 emission levels

Environmental problems have received a great deal of attention in recent years. In particular, CO2 emissions worsen global warming and other environmental problems. The transport sector accounts for 20% of the total CO2 emissions. Therefore, the CO2 emission reduction of the transport sector is of great importance. In order to reduce emissions effectively, it is necessary to change the distribution and transportation processes. The purpose of this study is to minimize both the transportation costs and CO2 emissions during transportation. Our model considers a transportation scheduling problem in which loads are transported from an overseas production base to three domestic demand centers. The need for time-space networks arises naturally to improve the model. It is possible to know the distance carriers are moving, and also consider the timetables of carriers during transportation. Carrier choice, less-than carrier load, and domestic transportation among demand centers are considered as the three target areas to reduce CO2 emissions during the distribution process. The research model was formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem. It achieves cost reduction, and will contribute to improvement of the natural environment.