Applying MIXALG procedure in a routing problem to optimize food product delivery

This work seeks to develop the MIXALG method as a way of solving routing problems of moderate size. This method avoids the application of some burdensome procedures in unnecessary situations. The resolution of real cases serves as touchstone for testing the properties of our method. The application of MIXALG procedure in the logistic problems of a specific company, situated in Navarra (Spain), permits the verification of good properties of method in real world. Having this aim, some heuristic algorithms and linear programming routines have been used. A Clarke–Wright variant method (ALGACEA) presents some starting solutions that will be improved by linear programming tools. Final outcomes are focused on costs reduction and on the suitable knowledge for logistic decision making. The general outline of the MIXALG procedure can easily be adapted to other small-sized distribution problems.