Optimising the efficiency of logistics using hybrid truck-drone collaborative delivery

Due to an increasing in online package orders, delivery providers need to determine how to reduce driver overtime while maintaining on-time delivery. To address this, our research introduces the Hybrid Helper Dispatching Problem with Drone (HHDPD), which aims to reduce the truck's return time to the depot and ensure the simultaneous return of both the driver and the drone. This study utilises the OR-Tools package and a greedy algorithm to address the routing problem and selection of drone service areas. Computational experiments are carried out to evaluate the best possible solution among four cases: TSP (Travelling Salesman Problem) without a driver helper, standard helper (including one driver, one independent helper, and one truck), HHDP (Hybrid-Helper Dispatching Problem), and HHDPD. Results demonstrate that the HHDPD model can significantly reduce the overall time spent, minimise idle resource wastage of driver helper and improve package delivery efficiency.