Optimal Loading Sequences for Fresh-Apple Storage Facilities

This paper reports on the use of a dynamic programming model to sequence the loading of storage facilities at an apple-packing plant operating in the state of New York, USA. The post-harvest quality of perishable agricultural products is significantly affected by delays in getting the product under storage conditions. This model minimizes this delay by identifying the optimal order in which storage facilities should be loaded. An optimal sequence is identified which is insensitive to changes in the relative importance of storage facilities, but which is influenced by differences in the deterioration rate among apple varieties.