A low-carbon route optimization method for cold chain logistics considering traffic status in China

In the paper of cold chain logistics, it is necessary to consider both traffic status and carbon reduction simultaneously. In this paper, an improved BPR (Bureau of Public Roads) road impedance function is designed, which reflects the traffic status in China under congested status more accurately. A low-carbon cold chain logistics route optimization model considering the traffic status in China is constructed, considering the multiple impacts of traffic status on total delivery cost, freshness of fresh products, and carbon emissions. To address the challenges posed by this multidimensional and discrete model, an improved discrete firefly algorithm (IDFA) is proposed. The numerical result demonstrates that IDFA has higher solving efficiency and better quality of the obtained solutions. Moreover, this paper also analyzes the impact of traffic status, vehicle types, and carbon trading prices on cold chain logistics delivery, as well as the comprehensive impact of traffic status and carbon trading prices. The proposed model is suitable for cold chain logistics enterprises with a single delivery center, active emission reduction willingness, and mostly delivering in congested road sections with high traffic volume. It offers valuable guidance for decision making and management in low-carbon cold chain logistics delivery.