A DEA-based approach for optimizing the extended transshipment problem

Abstract

Transshipment issues represent a distinct category of transportation challenges that commonly arise in practical contexts. The conventional transshipment model typically focuses on a single variable (predominantly cost), with decision-makers endeavoring to enhance this variable. Nevertheless, in practical contexts, numerous cost-related and revenue-related variables significantly influence the transshipment process, necessitating their optimization to augment the efficacy of the transshipment strategy. To our knowledge, a deficiency exists in addressing such a transshipment problem characterized by multiple variables. To address this deficiency, the present study advances the conventional transshipment model to accommodate scenarios wherein various variables are present within the transshipment framework. To illustrate the validity of the proposed methodology, a numerical example is provided, utilizing empirical data concerning wheat production in Iran.