Improved genetic algorithm based delivery time control for Fourth Party Logistics

This paper proposed an uncertain delivery time control model for Fourth Party Logistics (4PL). The selection of Third Party Logistics (3PL) suppliers and transportation routes, delivery time and transportation cost are included. An Improved Genetic Algorithm (I-GA) is designed to solve the resulting optimization problem. In detail, the reverse-two-point method is applied in crossover operation. In the experiment, Enumeration, Genetic Algorithm(GA) and Tabu Search Genetic Algorithm hybrid algorithm (TS-GA) are also used to compare with I-GA. The simulation results and analysis shows that the proposed model and algorithm is very useful for supporting the decision on the process of 4PL operation.