Integrating Weather Conditions in Truck Route Optimization : Maximizing Utilization and Cost-effectiveness

Abstract: Abstract The focus of the thesis is researching how to optimize a certain route, highlighting theimportance of weather conditions in the context of optimizing truck routes. Additionally, itemphasizes the goals of maximizing human utilization and cost-effectiveness. The project teamconducted a survey on fuel habits, and the results showed that the participating companies lackeda defined strategy for the company's fuel habits or a specific approach for selecting fuelingcompanies. The project team developed an algorithm that assists drivers in selecting the mostoptimized routes while enabling companies to calculate these routes efficiently. Data wascollected on the fuel consumption associated with the loading and unloading of goods. The totalroute cost is calculated using a custom equation that includes the driver´s salary, the employer´ssocial security contribution, the cost of the truck when loading and unloading, and the wear onthe truck. The company naturally expects to generate a profit, and such profit margins may differamong companies. Therefore, the project team excluded this factor from the equation todetermine the route's cost. The findings showed that varying weather conditions did impactconsumption, thereby influencing the final cost. The algorithm that the project team made is asignificant milestone toward the completion of the final product. However, there are still a fewremaining steps to be taken in order to achieve the desired end result and future development.