Reducing the energy consumption and increasing the efficiency of perishable goods transportation by refrigerated vehicles on urban routes

Abstract

Inefficient operation of distribution networks in transportation reduces the profits of commercial enterprises and increases the cost of goods for people. Using ineffective methods of ensuring cargo preservation leads to deteriorating consumer properties of goods, increased fuel consumption and an increase in the amount of harmful emissions from car exhaust gases. This enhances the negative impact of transport on the environment, especially in major cities, which makes the problem of ensuring cargo preservation and improving transport efficiency relevant. The objective of this work is to solve the problem of reducing the energy intensity of transportation and improving the efficiency of refrigerated vehicles in summer when delivering perishable goods (PGs) on urban routes. Factors that impact the energy intensity of PGs transportation by refrigerated vehicles are presented. When assessing the efficiency of refrigerated vehicles operation, it is proposed to take into account weather and transport operating conditions. An approach is formed to assessing the efficiency of refrigerated vehicles considering operating costs, cargo preservation costs, transportation energy intensity. © 2017 WIT Press.