Research Note Optimization of Route for Freight Transport of Goods Between the Center Provinces in Iran by Genetic Algorithm (GA)

An attempt to increase the efficiency of transport system is a big step towards its activities to become more economical. In fact the effect of reducing the distance travelled by different modes of transportation on different economic aspects (financial costs, energy consumption, time …) is quite clear.
The endeavor of man to find better, faster and more efficient ways in solving problems of personal life is endless. For a long time duplicating from the nature and discovering the nature based methods has been one of the essential branches of various human sciences.
The aim of this paper is to find optimum route for freight transport of goods between the centers of 10 provinces in Iran. Here “optimization” is defined as: search for a single point or a few points in order to enhance the efficiency”. One of the most known techniques in solving optimum points is called genetic algorithm which is based on Darwin’s evolving theory. Of course this theory alone cannot fully explain and provide reasonable conclusions. Therefore, in this paper we use the John Holland’s Schema theory in order to better understanding realizing the outcomes derived from the generic algorithm.
Results of this research show that it is possible to increase the efficiency of the country’s economic system including its transportation network and fleet by using TSP.