Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery: Exploring Hybrid Models

Research on optimizing the last-mile delivery system mostly encompasses a single delivery model. The model is conceived as follows: goods from warehouses located on the outskirts of cities are delivered by commercial delivery vehicles to micro-depots located on the outskirts of city centers or historical cores, from where distribution is carried out either by smaller delivery vehicles or environmentally friendly vehicles, such as small electric vans and/or electric cargo bicycles/tricycles. In the process of selecting the optimal model, various criteria are considered. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of research in the field of last-mile delivery modeling, with guidelines for future research. The focus is on researching hybrid delivery network models in urban areas, and identifying additional elements that can contribute to greater efficiency in the last-mile delivery system, alongside reviewing existing network optimization criteria. The paper is structured so that the introductory section outlines the purpose of the research. A review of existing research with a critical analysis constitutes the central part of the paper. In conclusion, guidelines for future research in the optimization of hybrid last-mile distribution networks are provided.