Optimization of postal express mail network based on swarm intelligence

Postal express mail network construction is critical in the operation of postal express delivery industry. A lexicographic order linear programming model is formulated to realize the fastest transfer of mails and minimize the network construction costs. A new swarm intelligence scheme based on route planning agent model is proposed to analyze and solve the optimization problem. By embedding the agents into the system model, an optimal express mail network will ultimately be emerged via the agents´ group activities. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.