Originally Posted by
Jetjok
Sam,
What do you think goes on at UPS and FedEx Express? Do you think that the guys responsible for getting every ounce out of every pound of whatever, be it jet fuel, diesel fuel for trucks, people, equipment, etc, don't pay attention to maximizing profits by minimizing operating costs? Perhaps your algorithm is better than theirs, which would be hard to believe. But if that were the case, you shouldn't be talking with dumb-assed pilots here. You should be talking with guys like Ronald T. Piervincenzi and Fred Smith. Good luck. Really. No kidding.
I know they each have operations research whizzes who do some great stuff. I studied their efforts in my research. One said that they developed its schedules using linear programming which has its limits for solving big, complex problems. The problem was so big, they broke it into pie slices. Solutions for routing in the center of the slice were great but the closer to the slice edge they got, the less good they were.
I was in discussions with some planners at the other carrier and they were very enthusiastic about what I had to say UNTIL I asked for a non-disclosure agreement. Then, everything went silent.
I strongly believe in my idea and would like to see one of the two implement it.