Developing a Freight Routing Model of SMEs Using VRP Solver Program in Sai Mai District, Bangkok

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) Study the transport route pattern of small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) in Sai Mai District, Bangkok, 2) Create the road transport route model of the enterprises by using the VRP Solver program and 3) Compare transport route patterns before and after using the VRP Solver program. It is a descriptive mixed research. The quantitative research was used to collect data on transportation routes of small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) in Sai Mai District, Bangkok. The data were analyzed using the VRP Solver program. The qualitative research was conducted using in-depth interviews. The key informants are employees in small and mid-size enterprises. The research tool was an interview form, data collection during January – March 2022. The results showed that In January-March 2022, the original form of transport (pre-arrangement) has 46 routes with a distance of 9,377 kilometers. The fuel volume is 1,042 liters and the transportation cost is 31,224 baht, and the VRP Solver program has 39 routes, the distance is 5,123 kilometers, the fuel volume is 569 liters and the transportation cost is 17,060 baht. Comparing the difference, it was found that the number of routes was reduced by 7 routes, the distance was reduced by 4,031 kilometers, the amount of fuel was reduced by 448 liters and the transportation cost was reduced by 13,440 baht. And the most suitable strategy to solve the problem is the strategy of cost leadership.