Freight distribution and transportation systems planning

Interactive-graphic systems and operations research methodologies are increasingly being combined to produce efficient, versatile and powerful tools that enhance the decision-making process. The possible contribution of such tools to the planning of distribution systems for industrial firms and freight carrier service networks and operations is examined and compared. The similarities and differences between the two systems are derived and an examination is undertaken to determine whether a unique planning system may adequately respond to the requirements of the two problems.