A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network

To realize low-cost freight transport in the logistics network and improve the network operation efficiency, a multi-objective optimization model and the corresponding algorithm for a hub-and-spoke logistics network are proposed based on the multi-level location of hub points and channels layout. By...

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Main Authors: Changxi Ma, Chuwei Shi, Yun Yang, Yongpeng Zhao, Zhuye Xu, Bo Du
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756425000406
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author Changxi Ma
Chuwei Shi
Yun Yang
Yongpeng Zhao
Zhuye Xu
Bo Du
author_facet Changxi Ma
Chuwei Shi
Yun Yang
Yongpeng Zhao
Zhuye Xu
Bo Du
author_sort Changxi Ma
collection DOAJ
description To realize low-cost freight transport in the logistics network and improve the network operation efficiency, a multi-objective optimization model and the corresponding algorithm for a hub-and-spoke logistics network are proposed based on the multi-level location of hub points and channels layout. By considering the structure of the multi-level hub-and-spoke logistics network and the features of the connectivity between the hub and spoke points, the multi-objective optimization model is constructed with two objectives of minimizing the total network operation costs and the total network service time. By considering the characteristics of decision variables and models, a variable neighborhood search (VNS)-niched Pareto genetic algorithm (NPGA) approach with a three-stage encoding structure chromosome is proposed, where the VNS algorithm nested in NPGA is used for individual variable neighborhood search to optimize individual channel level genes, and NPGA is adopted to solve the multi-objective optimization model. To evaluate the performance of the proposed VNS-NPGA approach, a real-life case study based on a small-scale Australia Post data set was conducted, and 25 nodes of the Australia Post and 14 nodes of the Gansu Province 3-level hub-and-spoke logistics networks were established, respectively. The analysis results indicated that the network structure of multi-level hub points could avoid the detour problem existing in the traditional hub-and-spoke network, and showed better applicability in the narrow geographical structure. Compared to the traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, VNS-NPGA can obtain better solutions through the distributed optimization of channel levels, avoiding the problem that a single algorithm cannot effectively deal with coupling relationships in genes.
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spelling doaj-art-ef8ea5e4621743e1b55fdf4b5a1f42d22025-08-20T02:19:47ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)2095-75642025-04-0112239040910.1016/j.jtte.2023.07.014A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics networkChangxi Ma0Chuwei Shi1Yun Yang2Yongpeng Zhao3Zhuye Xu4Bo Du5School of Traffic and Transportation, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Railway Industry on Plateau Railway Transportation Intelligent Management and Control, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, ChinaSchool of Traffic and Transportation, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Corresponding author.School of Tourism and Management, Yangling Vocational and Technical College, Yangling 712100, ChinaSchool of Traffic and Transportation, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, ChinaSchool of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; National Engineering Research Center of Highway Maintenance Technology, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, ChinaDepartment of Management, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, AustraliaTo realize low-cost freight transport in the logistics network and improve the network operation efficiency, a multi-objective optimization model and the corresponding algorithm for a hub-and-spoke logistics network are proposed based on the multi-level location of hub points and channels layout. By considering the structure of the multi-level hub-and-spoke logistics network and the features of the connectivity between the hub and spoke points, the multi-objective optimization model is constructed with two objectives of minimizing the total network operation costs and the total network service time. By considering the characteristics of decision variables and models, a variable neighborhood search (VNS)-niched Pareto genetic algorithm (NPGA) approach with a three-stage encoding structure chromosome is proposed, where the VNS algorithm nested in NPGA is used for individual variable neighborhood search to optimize individual channel level genes, and NPGA is adopted to solve the multi-objective optimization model. To evaluate the performance of the proposed VNS-NPGA approach, a real-life case study based on a small-scale Australia Post data set was conducted, and 25 nodes of the Australia Post and 14 nodes of the Gansu Province 3-level hub-and-spoke logistics networks were established, respectively. The analysis results indicated that the network structure of multi-level hub points could avoid the detour problem existing in the traditional hub-and-spoke network, and showed better applicability in the narrow geographical structure. Compared to the traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, VNS-NPGA can obtain better solutions through the distributed optimization of channel levels, avoiding the problem that a single algorithm cannot effectively deal with coupling relationships in genes.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756425000406Multi-level hub-and-spoke logistics networkMulti-objective optimization modelVNS-NPGAThree-stage encodingIndividual variable neighborhood search
spellingShingle Changxi Ma
Chuwei Shi
Yun Yang
Yongpeng Zhao
Zhuye Xu
Bo Du
A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)
Multi-level hub-and-spoke logistics network
Multi-objective optimization model
VNS-NPGA
Three-stage encoding
Individual variable neighborhood search
title A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
title_full A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
title_fullStr A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
title_full_unstemmed A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
title_short A VNS-NPGA approach to multi-objective optimization of hub-and-spoke logistics network
title_sort vns npga approach to multi objective optimization of hub and spoke logistics network
topic Multi-level hub-and-spoke logistics network
Multi-objective optimization model
VNS-NPGA
Three-stage encoding
Individual variable neighborhood search
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756425000406
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