A solution approach for sustainable multi-objective multi-item 4D solid transportation problem involving triangular intuitionistic fuzzy parameters

Sustainability pertains to the interplay between environmental, economic, and social systems at varying scales. In transportation systems, vehicles use different fuels to fulfill their energy requirements. However these fuels emit green house gases that pollute the environment. Taking into account this fact, the present paper delves into the investigation of a multi-objective multi-item fixed cost solid transportation problem with various driving styles. Also, three types of fuels are incorporated in the proposed model. The primary focus of this paper is to maximize profit by reducing breakage of the items along with reducing carbon emission and time of transportation. In real-life situations, the parameters of multi-objective multi-item fixed cost solid transportation problem may not be tackled crisply. Hence triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are introduced in the proposed model. The score function is employed to convert intuitionistic fuzzy problem to deterministic one. Thereafter, a methodology is developed to solve the proposed model involving different driving styles and is extended to consider the optimistic, pessimistic, and mixed view of the decision maker. Comparisons are made among the compromise solutions that are derived from different approaches and are shown by various charts and graphs. A case study is included to illustrate the applicability and validity of the proposed methodology. •A sustainable multi-objective 4DTP with multiple items and fixed charge is modeled.•Three types of fuels: diesel, petrol and CNG are incorporated in the proposed model.•Driving style is included to analyze the fuel consumption and breakability of items.•The decision-maker’s optimistic, pessimistic, and mixed viewpoints are discussed.