Vehicle Routing at Otto’s Discount Brigade

Vehicle Routing at Otto’s Discount Brigade

Matthew J. Drake, Duquesne University

Introduction

Otto’s Discount Brigade is a regional chain of discount stores mainly operating in southeast Ohio, with a few stores in West Virginia border towns. The firm operates a single distribution center in Cambridge, Ohio, located in close proximity to the intersection of Interstates 70 and 77. The distribution center has small refrigerated and frozen sections to accommodate the small number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) that require these special conditions.

Otto’s Distribution Network

Every Otto’s store is only slightly larger than an average, standalone drugstore; thus, it is not practical for the stores to receive shipments directly from suppliers because ...