Optimizing Truck Parking Facilities with Major Distribution Centres in Pandemic Conditions

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on truck drivers facing inadequate rest space availability due to exacerbated by pandemic conditions. GPS data is used in this thesis to understand trends of freight parking and the critical locations in which freight activity is occurring. The data is also used to compare pre-pandemic patterns in 2019 with pandemic conditions in 2020.

An optimization scheme is developed using a P-median approach to optimize travel from rest areas to major distribution centres. This scheme identifies the best locations where truck drivers can park and rest before accessing distribution centres. It is also proposed to be used to identify top locations for potential expansion for rest areas. The Region of Peel is used as the study area for this analysis as a major freight centre and documented impact from the Covid-19 pandemic.