Applying VRPSolverEasy to a Real Routing Problem

The costs of companies in the road sector are concentrated in transportation. In the national scenario, marked by high fuel prices, routing methods that aim to reduce expenses at this stage are vital for the competitiveness of these organizations. However, for small and medium-sized companies, lacking human and financial resources, advanced methods become unfeasible. This fact supports the importance of simplified alternatives, which can be used by inexperienced users in the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). This study presents the modeling and application, with the VRPSolverEasy tool, of a real distribution process of a small carrier in Rio de Janeiro with 47 delivery points. The comparison between the current solution and the solver resulted in reductions of 3.74% in distance and 24.79% in route time, with a greater number of daily deliveries and one less vehicle. It is recommended that the research be deepened to cover variables and circumstances not contemplated.