  This paper explores the concept of fairness and equitable matching in an
on-line vehicle-cargo matching setting, addressing the varying degrees of
satisfaction experienced by shippers and carriers. Relevant indicators for
shippers and carriers in the on-line matching process are categorized as
attributes, expectations, and reliability, which are subsequent quantified to
form satisfaction indicators. Employing the intuitionistic fuzzy set theory, we
devise a transformed vehicle-cargo matching optimization model by combining the
fuzzy set's membership, non-membership, and uncertainty information. Through an
adaptive interactive algorithm, the matching scheme with fairness concerns is
solved using CPLEX. The effectiveness of the proposed matching mechanism in
securing high levels of satisfaction is established by comparison with three
benchmark methods. To further investigate the impact of considering fairness in
vehicle-cargo matching, a shipper-carrier-platform tripartite evolutionary game
framework is developed under the waiting response time cost (WRTC) sharing
mechanism. Simulation results show that with fairness concerns in vehicle-cargo
matching, all stakeholders are better off: The platform achieves positive
revenue growth, and shippers and carriers receive positive subsidy. This study
offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the long-term and
stable operation of the on-line freight stowage industry.
