Multi-Modal Transportation Strategies in Supply Chain Management: A Methodological Approach

Effective multimodal transportation is a critical component of modern supply chain management, enabling the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across diverse modes and regions. However, the complexity of coordinating multiple transport options, varying cargo priorities, and dynamic constraints poses significant challenges. This research presents a novel methodological approach to optimizing multimodal goods transportation in supply chains. The proposed strategy involves a two-step classification process. First, goods are categorized based on their importance, considering factors such as value, criticality, and demand volatility. Next, the urgency and priority of each good is determined, accounting for delivery time sensitivity and other operational requirements. This classification scheme forms the foundation for a comprehensive optimization model. The optimization model is formulated using the DOCPLEX modeling framework and solved employing the CPLEX solver. The model incorporates a range of constraints, including transport capacity, cost, and emissions, to identify the most efficient multimodal routing plan.This research contributes to the development of a structured, datadriven decision-making tool for supply chain managers to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their multimodal transportation networks. The proposed approach offers a flexible framework for addressing the complexities of multimodal transportation, and its potential applications are far-reaching across various industries and regions.