Development and analysis of alternative dispatching methods in truckload trucking

In this paper, the authors discuss industry–university collaborative research aimed at improving the performance of truckload trucking operations for a major North American carrier through the development of alternative dispatching methods. The research detailed in this paper develops regularly scheduled delivery capacity in the form of delivery lanes, hubs and zones which regularize driver tours while providing performance benefits for the carrier. The impact of the alternative methods developed are studied through extensive experimentation using discrete event simulation and actual demand data provided by the industrial partner.