Optimization of Wood Supply: The Forestry Routing Optimization Model

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to present the Forestry Routing Optimization Model (FRoM) as a version of the classical Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). This work approaches for wood logistic problems consisting of simple displacement and multiple displacements of trucks toward the stands. The FRoM encompasses both steps into one single integer mixed linear programming model, considering cranes and trucks schedule, fleet reduction, reduction of overtime, reduction of half-load transportation, and approaching the minimum distance traveled along a fixed planning horizon. Some technique constraints were implemented to provide accurate model function. An executed real problem data was used to compare the outcomes. The objective was to carry and transport 21,881.82 tons of lumber from 10 stands using a total of 48 trucks and 5 cranes in a planning horizon of 6 days, which each day has 20 hours of effective work. The FRoM has performed a fleet reduction of 72.92%, eliminating overtime. It has reduced the half-load trips to the order of 3.17% of all routes. The crane’s analysis allowed catching points of inefficiency due to operational idleness. The FRoM provided savings of 49.12% at all logistic costs. FRoM has shown to be a good option as a route optimizer for forestry logistics.