Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) for Delivery Route Planning

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) addresses optimal route planning for delivering goods from a distribution center to multiple customer locations while minimizing total travel distance. Each vehicle operates under a maximum load capacity constraint, requiring sophisticated algorithms to determine routes that maximize demand fulfillment while minimizing vehicle usage. This problem finds extensive applications in logistics and transportation sectors, where optimal route planning enables companies to reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Common algorithmic approaches include integer programming formulations and heuristic methods like Clarke-Wright savings algorithm or metaheuristics (e.g., genetic algorithms, tabu search). Key implementation considerations involve distance matrix computation, capacity constraints handling, and route sequencing optimization using programming languages like Python with optimization libraries (e.g., OR-Tools, PyVRP) or MATLAB with optimization toolboxes.