Approximation of Quasi-Optimal Depot Numbers in Simple Two-Step Delivery Systems

Abstract

The limitation of the drivers’ working time diminishes the size of goodtransport vehicles. As a consequence the costs of distri-bution increase. Atool for dampening this tendency could be the introduction of indirectdistribution systems, usually with cross-docking depots. Without suitablesophisticated computer soft-ware it is difficult to determine a near optimaldistribution network. This paper tries to present a method to calculate thenecessary number of depots, the boundaries of the areas served by them,and the adequate placements of depots within these areas.