Optimizing parcel delivery paths using a highway passenger transport-based express service.

A unique commercial operation in China that delivers express parcels within the storage compartments (belly-holds) of highway passenger coaches is introduced. A new delivery mode, called ‘direct + transfer’ delivery, is proposed. On the basis of this mode, a model to optimize the delivery path is constructed by considering the parcel arrival patterns, coach departure times, and belly-hold capacity in the initial origin. The solution algorithm is designed. In a case study, the probability distribution function of the parcel arrival pattern is fitted, and the delivery paths of parcels from a city to other cities in a region in China are calculated and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]