A methodology for minimizing LPG transportation impact

Abstract

Purpose

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transportation risks depend on aspects such as the total length of the trip and population density along the route. Choosing to deliver the product on non-busy days and reducing distances travelled may help to reduce these risks and lower the level of air pollution generated by the transportation trucks. The purpose of this paper is to reduce LPG delivery impact.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage methodology is proposed. First, rules are created in order to choose which clients have to be visited each day to avoid deliveries in downtown areas during business days. Second, an Iterated Local Search (ILS) metaheuristic is proposed for the capacitated p-median problem to group the chosen customers. Finally, another ILS is proposed to solve the Travelling Salesman Problem, for each truck to follow a better route while visiting its customers.

Findings

The methodology resulted in a 24.8 per cent reduction in distances travelled, representing an annual reduction of 32,716 kg in CO₂ emissions. The average amount of product sold per kilometre travelled improved by 72 per cent.

Originality/value

The literature shows a clear need for companies to consider sustainability in their daily decisions. However, especially in developing countries, there is a fear that protecting the environment may cost money. This main contribution of this paper is that it presents a real solution, serving as a guide for companies to improve their transportation system, resulting in environmental and economic benefits.

Citation

Guersola, M., Arns Steiner, M.T. and Scarpin, C.T. (2017), "A methodology for minimizing LPG transportation impact", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 807-820. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-07-2016-0050