Assessment of Last-Mile Delivery Methods in E-commerce: A Case Study in Bucharest

The rapid development of e-commerce has led to the intensification of the goods flow and the increase of the number of deliveries at the urban level, with negative consequences on the environment (congestion, the occupancy of the road infrastructure, and pollution). Considering the objectives of sustainable development, research is required to establish measures and regulations in the field of urban goods transport that lead to the decrease of fossil fuel consumption and the reduction of polluting emissions. In this framework, the paper presents a model developed to evaluate two methods of last-mile delivery in e-commerce: one from urban distribution centres to customers (homes or offices), and one from urban distribution centres to parcel lockers from which the customers can self-pick-up the parcel in a certain period after delivery. For a given set of registered delivery demands, the model optimises the allocation of vehicles on delivery tours and routes for each method. The model is exemplified for an area in Bucharest. The results allow comparing transport and traffic performances for the two delivery methods. Last-mile delivery options can be recommended to reduce costs and externalities. The model represents a valuable component in further, more comprehensive analysis necessary in planning sustainable urban logistics schemes.