Abstract: A method of forming a schedule of crude oil shipments being received at a refinery facility using a genetic algorithm has been developed. A period of time, T, within which the crude oil shipment schedule is to be formed is determined. A first generation of chromosomes is generated and a fitness function value calculated for each chromosome. A succeeding generation of chromosomes is created using a genetic algorithm and the fitness function value for each chromosome is determined. The steps of producing a succeeding generation of chromosomes using a genetic algorithm and determining a fitness function value for each chromosome are repeated for time T. The chromosome having the highest fitness function value within time T is identified to generate the schedule.