Optimization of Sustainable Vehicle Routing Problem Taking into Account Social Utility and Employing a Strategy with Multiple Objectives

In today's competitive market, manufacturers and service providers are continuously seeking ways to reduce costs and save time to gain a competitive edge. One of the most significant challenges they face is the vehicle routing problem (VRP), which is crucial due to its direct impact on the delivery time of services or products. Efficient vehicle routing not only enhances delivery performance but also optimizes the overall network, resulting in reduced operational costs. This study focuses on evaluating the VRP specifically for trucks while incorporating sustainability indicators into the analysis. The key sustainability indicators considered include social, economic, and environmental aspects. By integrating these indicators, the study aims to address multiple objectives simultaneously: reducing delivery time, minimizing costs, and mitigating the environmental impact of vehicle operations.The primary objective of this research is to minimize overall costs, fuel consumption, and route complexity associated with truck deliveries. Given the growing concern over environmental issues, there is a strong emphasis on improving methods to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and streamline logistics processes. The research addresses these concerns by proposing a model that not only aims to enhance operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental protection and social responsibility.To achieve these objectives, the study employs advanced optimization techniques, specifically the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO). These methods are utilized to solve the VRP while balancing the trade-offs between various objectives, such as cost reduction, fuel efficiency, and route optimization.The results of the study indicate that the proposed model successfully improves aspects of environmental protection and social responsibility while simultaneously addressing economic concerns. The integration of sustainability indicators into the vehicle routing problem provides a comprehensive approach to optimizing logistics operations, highlighting the importance of considering environmental and social factors alongside economic performance.Overall, this research contributes to the field by offering a refined model for tackling the VRP, with a focus on sustainability. The findings underscore the potential for optimization algorithms to drive improvements in both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, ultimately supporting more sustainable and socially responsible practices in the transportation and logistics industry.