Novel last mile delivery models in terms of sustainable urban logistics

Abstract

The development in e-commerce is a factor that increases the quality of life of customers living in cities, however, it also leads to an increase in the need for last-mile logistics activities which causes a rise in traffic density, CO2 emissions, parking problems, noise, environmental pollution, and even it causes the emergence of health problems. Moreover, not being at the delivery address which is today’s often encountered problem causes failure of delivery, a decrease in the efficiency of operations for the logistics service provider (LSP), an increase in costs, and a decrease in the level of customer service. This study aims to conduct detailed research on sustainable last-mile delivery methods in order to provide solutions to the problems that arise in cities with the increase in the last-mile logistics practices as a result of widespread use of e-commerce and to accommodate to the changes in customer lifestyles. In this context, our study surveys the novel last-mile delivery methods alternative to conventional delivery with a broad perspective. These methods have been evaluated from LSP’s and customers’ points of view, features, advantages, and barriers of the methods are examined, and instances from the practice have been mentioned.

Keywords

• Last mile logistics
• Urban logistics
• Sustainability
• Out of home delivery

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