In this paper we consider a distribution planning problem in a transshipment network under stochastic customer demand, to account for uncertainty faced in real-life applications when planning distribution activities. To date, considerations of randomness in distribution planning networks with...

We consider the shipment consolidation and freight forwarding problem under two discount schemes: the system-wide and the double-discount. In the system-wide scheme, the cost associated with one flight does not only depend on the quantity of freight assigned to that flight, but also on the total...

Quantity discounts have been broadly examined in decisions on the sale or purchase of goods. The analysis of coordinating the discount decisions for the retailer (buyer), the wholesaler (supplier), and the public transportation service provider (Less-Than-Truckload carrier), however, is still in...

Although it is an essential link in any supply chain, transportation is often neglected in inventory decisions. In reordering decisions, for example, this omission may well result in unexpected losses, as transportation and quantity discounts can be tricky. In this paper, we study the problem of...

General Motors of Canada is undertaking a multimillion-dollar modernization of its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant. Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and a substantial amount of robotics and other automation will be used in the body-framing area. We developed a computer simulation model to...

Expert systems (ES) have produced much excitement in recent years. Because a great deal of experience and knowledge are captured in the ES, there may be no need to consult a specialist for every decision in the given area. A properly designed expert system thus has in its knowledge base a wide...

Consider a family of SKUs for which the supplier will offer a quantity discount, according to the aggregate purchases of the product group. Management of those items is based on the modified periodic policy. From the supplier's point of view, what are the optimal parameters (breakpoint and...

Quantity discounts are a useful mechanism for coordination. Here we investigate such discounts from the supplier's perspective, both from a non-cooperative game-theoretical approach and a joint decision model. Taking into account the price elasticity of demand, this analysis aids a sole supplier...

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carriers generally serve geographical regions that are more localized than the inter-city line-hauls served by truckload carriers. That localization can lead to urban freight transportation routes that overlap. If trucks are traveling with less than full loads, there...

Increased competition in business environments requires that firms provide not only quality but also timely service with minimal cost. Offering a delivery-time guarantee may increase the demand for a product or service, or allow the firm to charge a price premium. This paper investigates the...