Objective/Meaning In the context of the rapid development of digital economy, aiming at the perishable and temperature-sensitive characteristics of fresh agricultural products, the food distribution problem of chain convenience stores under the multi-distribution center scenario by using the multi-temperature joint distribution service was explored, in order to enhance the logistics efficiency and reduce the costs.

Methods/Procedures Aiming at the closed-loop and semi-open-loop multi-distribution center scenarios, a route optimization model for multi-temperature joint distribution of fresh agricultural products was proposed. On the basis of considering the vehicle fixed cost, variable cost, refrigeration cost, food spoilage cost, time window penalty cost, and carbon dioxide emission cost, the different spoilage costs for three temperature zones during the transportation and opening the vehicle door were analyzed.

Results/Conclusions Combined with the case analysis, the feasibility of using the multi-temperature joint distribution in food distribution for the chain convenience stores was verified, and the comparison was made with the costs and routes of multi-vehicle distribution. The results indicated that the multi-temperature joint distribution significantly reduced the number of vehicles required, the refrigeration cost, spoilage cost, and time penalty cost. Among them, the refrigeration cost and cargo damage cost of the closed-loop route were decreased by 68.94% and 42.63%, respectively, and the total cost of the semi-open-loop route was 4.81% lower than that of the closed-loop problem. This research expanded the application scope of multi-temperature joint distribution and provided the efficient distribution plans for the chain convenience store enterprises.