Optimize your logistics network
with mathematics
Cost optimization in logistics networks is not limited to vehicle routing; it requires the integrated design of hub locations, connection structures, flow allocation, fleet and capacity decisions. I model these decisions using real operational data, mathematical optimization and machine learning methods to develop decision-support solutions that work in practice.
Zühal Kartal, PhD
Eskisehir Technical University
Department of Industrial Engineering
Which problems do I solve?
I develop applied solutions for logistics and supply chain problems using methods grounded in my academic research.
Distribution Network & Route Optimization
The map may be right — but the driver knows differently.
In real cargo operations, one stop may represent dozens of addresses. Standard models often miss this. Hybrid approaches that capture driver experience and field-specific constraints with machine learning, and combine them with mathematical optimization, both reduce cost and reflect operational reality.
Linehaul Transportation & Fleet Planning
How many vehicles on which line tomorrow — fixed fleet or spot capacity?
Optimization that combines demand forecasts at each node with fixed-fleet and spot-capacity decisions. Both excess and insufficient capacity create cost — the right balance is found through data.
Air Cargo Network Design
Which aircraft goes where, in what sequence, and with how much fuel?
From central hubs to multi-leg flight routes, and from simultaneous pick-up and delivery decisions to fleet capacity and fuel consumption, air cargo operations are analyzed through mathematical optimization. The aim is not only to reduce costs, but also to design a more efficient and sustainable air cargo network by jointly considering carbon footprint, operational capacity, and service quality.
First & Last Mile Logistics
The last mile is the most expensive — and often the richest in opportunity.
Optimization of multimodal last-mile networks including micro-hub placement, parcel locker network design and next-generation delivery methods. From drones and remote-controlled vehicles to mobile delivery points — the right network, at the right cost.
Carbon & Sustainable Logistics
Carbon is now a cost component.
EU ETS, ETS2 and CORSIA are reshaping logistics decisions. By incorporating emission constraints and carbon costs into routing and network design models, regulatory pressure can be transformed into competitive advantage.
Urban Air Mobility & Drone Logistics
Urban air mobility is approaching — where should stations be located, and how should routes be designed?
Hub location and network design for air taxi networks. For drone delivery, route optimization integrated with parcel locker networks — practical solutions under realistic constraints through hybrid approaches combining mathematical optimization and machine learning.
Real data, real operations,
optimization models that work in practice.
01
University–Industry Collaboration: Route Optimization in Cargo Operations
Route, clustering and decision-support problems in distribution branches using real operational data.
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University–Industry Collaboration: Route Optimization in Cargo Operations
Route, clustering and decision-support problems in distribution branches using real operational data.
Integrated consideration of daily route planning, route–clustering and vehicle–courier–driver utilization decisions in distribution branches under real operational conditions.
Mathematical modelling, metaheuristic approaches (Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search and Simulated Annealing), matheuristic solution approaches and machine learning algorithms.
Decision-support system infrastructure for the operational use of vehicles, couriers and drivers at Yurtiçi Kargo Servisi A.Ş.
02
Hub Location, Routing and Logistics Network Design
An academic research project that jointly addresses hub location, connection structure, urban and intercity routing decisions while considering the operational constraints of cargo companies in Turkey.
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Hub Location, Routing and Logistics Network Design
An academic research project that jointly addresses hub location, connection structure, urban and intercity routing decisions while considering the operational constraints of cargo companies in Turkey.
Joint modelling of hub location, coverage, urban distribution structure and intercity logistics network design decisions in Turkey in line with service-level targets such as 24-hour service and next-day delivery for cargo companies.
Mixed-integer mathematical programming, exact solution methods, metaheuristic algorithms and matheuristic solution approaches.
A logistics network design approach that jointly optimizes service level, cost, capacity and network structure decisions for cargo companies.
03
UAV Coverage and Route Optimization for Autonomous Inspection
A research project providing mathematical modelling and solution support for reducing selected viewpoints and optimizing flight routes in the autonomous inspection of large-scale structures using UAVs.
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UAV Coverage and Route Optimization for Autonomous Inspection
A research project providing mathematical modelling and solution support for reducing selected viewpoints and optimizing flight routes in the autonomous inspection of large-scale structures using UAVs.
Determining the most appropriate set of viewpoints to cover the structure surface by considering the field of view of the UAV-mounted sensor, and constructing an efficient inspection route over the selected points.
Set covering problem, traveling salesman problem, mixed-integer mathematical programming and collision-free route planning constraints.
A decision-support and route-planning approach that reduces flight distance and scanning time while preserving surface coverage performance in the autonomous inspection of complex structures.
04
Sustainable Last Mile and Urban Logistics
A Horizon Europe project development process aimed at increasing green spaces with local stakeholders by jointly addressing logistics, mobility and urban space use in Mission Cities.
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Sustainable Last Mile and Urban Logistics
A Horizon Europe project development process aimed at increasing green spaces with local stakeholders by jointly addressing logistics, mobility and urban space use in Mission Cities.
Modeling cargo, retail logistics, car-sharing and remote-controlled vehicle use scenarios in Mission Cities together with micro-hub, parcel-locker and multimodal last-mile decisions. The aim is to create space in urban areas and increase green areas through logistics and mobility optimization.
Living lab design, multi-stakeholder scenario development, network optimization and carbon-aware route/network decision models.
Pilot implementation scenarios for sustainable urban logistics and an EU project consortium framework.
05
Vertiport Location and Air Taxi Network Design
A research study addressing vertiport location, accessibility and network design decisions for urban air mobility infrastructure in the Istanbul context using mathematical methods.
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Vertiport Location and Air Taxi Network Design
A research study addressing vertiport location, accessibility and network design decisions for urban air mobility infrastructure in the Istanbul context using mathematical methods.
Considering where vertiports should be located, with what capacity and connection structure, together with Istanbul’s metro network, public transport transfer points and urban accessibility criteria.
Mathematical location models, network design approach, accessibility analysis, capacity assessment and scenario-based comparison.
A decision-support framework that jointly evaluates vertiport placement, public transport integration and network capacity decisions in urban air mobility infrastructure.
Selected Publications
International
Research Experience
Academic work conducted at international research institutions in Australia, Italy and Turkey.
Academic and Sectoral
Collaborations
Academic and sectoral collaborations developed through the Horizon Europe project development process.
Project Development and
Modelling Framework
In applied research and university–industry collaboration processes, I focus on transforming industry problems into strong project and solution frameworks grounded in academic originality, mathematical modelling, and operational applicability.
Relevant Call and Programme Ecosystems
Academic and Sectoral
Collaboration Meetings
Contact Information
You can get in touch for university–industry collaborations, TÜBİTAK/EU project development processes, and consulting and applied research projects focused on logistics and transportation optimisation.
Department of Industrial Engineering