Robust Optimization of Multimodal Transportation Route Selection Based on Multiple Uncertainties from the Perspective of Sustainable Transportation

Xiaoxue Ren, Shuangli Pan and Guijun Zheng ()
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Xiaoxue Ren: School of Economics and Management, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Shuangli Pan: School of Economics and Management, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Guijun Zheng: School of Economics and Management, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-24

Abstract: Multimodal transportation is of strategic significance in improving transportation efficiency, reducing costs and achieving low-carbon development, all of which contribute to sustainable transportation. However, in actual operation, it often encounters multiple uncertain challenges such as demand, transportation time and carbon trading price, making it difficult for traditional fixed-parameter route optimization to meet the requirements of complex situations. Based on robust optimization and Box uncertainty set, this paper constructs a hybrid robust stochastic optimization model of multimodal transportation routes with uncertain demand, transportation time and carbon trading price, designs a hybrid algorithm, and verifies the effectiveness and rationality of the model through a numerical example. The results indicate that different types of uncertainty influence the routing decisions through distinct mechanisms. That is, demand uncertainty mainly affects capacity allocation and cost structure, transportation time uncertainty increases time penalties, and carbon trading price uncertainty drives preference for low-emission modes. Compared with the single genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm, the hybrid algorithm has better performance in terms of cost and stability. The hybrid robust stochastic optimization model can handle the multimodal transportation route selection problems where the probability distribution of parameters is unknown well. It is beneficial for decision-makers to adjust the uncertain budget level according to their preferences to formulate scientific transportation plans, so as to achieve sustainable transportation development.

Keywords: multimodal transportation; route selection; multiple uncertainties; robust optimization; sustainable transportation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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