An exact approach for a Local Container Drayage Problem with Truck Platooning Mode

Emerging technologies, such as autonomous truck platooning, can provide multiple benefits, including reduced energy consumption and pollution, as well as increased road capacity. In this work, we study the impact of a flexible truck platooning operation mode, where a truck can belong to more than one platoon, on the Local Container Drayage Problem (LCDP). To address this problem, we propose a new mathematical programming formulation. Subsequently, we conduct an extensive computational campaign, comparing the solutions of the LCDP with the traditional platooning mode to those obtained under the flexible operational mode, thereby evaluating the benefits of this novel approach.