Multi-Stop Delivery
Optimize parcel delivery routes across multiple vehicles with capacity constraints
Multi-Stop Delivery
This example demonstrates a typical parcel delivery scenario where multiple vehicles need to efficiently deliver packages to 15 customers while respecting vehicle capacity limits.
Business Scenario
A regional delivery company operates from a central warehouse and needs to:
- Deliver 15 packages across the city
- Use 2 delivery vans with different capacities
- Minimize total travel distance
- Ensure no vehicle is overloaded
- Complete all deliveries within working hours
Complete Request
Key Configuration Choices
Fleet Configuration
- Larger capacity for bulk deliveries
- Standard delivery capability
- Larger capacity for bulk deliveries
- Standard delivery capability
- Smaller, more agile vehicle
- Can handle express deliveries
Delivery Priorities
Each delivery has a priority value (0-100):
- 100: Critical deliveries (must be prioritized)
- 50-99: Important deliveries
- 0-49: Standard deliveries
Total load of all packages: 1,490 units Combined vehicle capacity: 1,800 units This ensures all deliveries can be completed.
Optimization Strategy
minimizeResources: false
- Use both vehicles to balance workloadpartialPlanning: false
- All deliveries must be assigned
Expected Response
Route Visualization
Optimized delivery routes for both vehicles
Understanding the Results
Load Distribution
Both vehicles are nearly full but not overloaded:
- Van 1: 988/1000 (98.8%)
- Van 2: 783/800 (97.9%)
This excellent utilization minimizes the number of vehicles needed.
Both vehicles are nearly full but not overloaded:
- Van 1: 988/1000 (98.8%)
- Van 2: 783/800 (97.9%)
This excellent utilization minimizes the number of vehicles needed.
The workload is well-balanced:
- Van 1: 8 deliveries, 78 minutes travel
- Van 2: 7 deliveries, 69 minutes travel
Neither driver is significantly overworked.
Priority Handling
High-priority deliveries (priority ≥ 90) are distributed across both routes to ensure timely service:
- Van 1: deliveries 7 (100), 10 (95)
- Van 2: deliveries 5 (90), 14 (90), 1 (100)
Time Efficiency
All deliveries are completed well within the 9-hour shift:
- Van 1: Returns by 9:00 AM (2 hours total)
- Van 2: Returns by 8:45 AM (1.75 hours total)
The early completion leaves room for:
- Unexpected delays
- Additional same-day deliveries
- Driver breaks
- Return trip traffic
Optimization Variations
Minimize Vehicle Usage
To use fewer vehicles when possible:
This might result in:
- One heavily loaded vehicle
- Longer routes
- Less flexibility for additions
Allow Partial Delivery
For scenarios where not all packages fit:
The solver will:
- Prioritize high-priority deliveries
- Maximize assigned deliveries
- Report unassigned packages
Try It Yourself
Best Practices
Capacity Planning
Capacity Planning
- Keep 10-15% capacity buffer for unexpected packages
- Consider package volume, not just weight
- Account for handling equipment weight
Priority Management
Priority Management
- Use priority 90-100 for time-critical deliveries
- Balance priorities across vehicles
- Consider customer SLAs
Fleet Sizing
Fleet Sizing
- Start with fewer vehicles and add if needed
- Mix vehicle sizes for flexibility
- Consider peak vs average demand