On the Impact of Open Parcel Lockers on Traffic

Abstract

The last-mile in the courier express parcel (CEP) sector is the most challenging part of the overall transport chain. This is, among other reasons, because many recipients are not at home when deliveries take place. On the other hand, it is for many recipients inconvenient that they have to collect their parcels at different pickup shops varying from logistics service provider (LSP) to LSP. One solution is to employ (open) parcel lockers which are conveniently located for recipients and which allow successful (first) deliveries for LSPs. In this paper, we investigate the impact of parcel lockers with respect to traveled distances as well as CO2 emissions. We show that under certain situations, parcel lockers positively contribute to both aforementioned performance indexes. Based on our observations, we formulate recommendations how to support the implementation of parcel lockers.

Picture fuzzy WASPAS method for selecting last-mile delivery mode: a case study of Belgrade

“…The results of a pilot project concerning the application of postomates in Amsterdam indicate their higher costefficiency compared to the traditional delivery [62]. The positive aspect of the environmental sustainability of postomates has been confirmed through several papers [22,44,48]. Numerous studies that address location problems of postomates indicate the relevance and popularity of their application [12,31,71].…”

The impact of optimal parcel locker locations on costs and the environment

“…Prandtstetter et al. (2021) investigate SPLs in two areas (rural and suburban) in an experimental set-up.…”

“…Nevertheless, they build their study on an activity-based estimation model based on 20 expert interviews and do not share further information about their used model design, applied customer choice model, and assumed recipient behavior. Prandtstetter et al (2021) investigate SPLs in two areas (rural and suburban) in an experimental set-up. In their simulations, they measure the overall CO 2 emissions from deliveries and pick-ups and find a positive effect in most instances, with up to 40% CO 2 savings using SPLs.…”

“…However, no detailed information about their model, customer behavior, and studied regions is available. Prandtstetter et al. 's (2021) study also explore emission savings generated by existing SPLs.…”

“…However, no detailed information about their model, customer behavior, and studied regions is available. Prandtstetter et al's (2021) study also explore emission savings generated by existing SPLs. They rely on a survey among 25 SPL users, who used SPLs over a year, to retrieve information about pick-up distances.…”