Urban Freight Last Mile Logistics—Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Sustainability: A Literature Review

Abstract

Last mile logistics (LML) is the least efficient and complex part of supply chain. The main objective of this study was to identify major challenges of urban freight LML and opportunities for intervention. For this, 42 peer-reviewed full papers published after 2010 and three additional references were used. The findings indicated that urban freight flow has a trend of steady growth. The main driving forces behind this steady growth are population growth, urbanization, densification, globalization, online and omni-channel (OC) retailing, and urban economic development. Using typology analysis, three main potential freight LML configurations were mapped and discussed. Freight LML configurations that involve light cargo vehicles and cargo bike-based delivery schemes could be the most sustainable freight LML models if the delivery failure is minimized. The LML challenges were categorized as technological, infrastructural, LML system and management, and logistic cost related challenges, and discussed broadly. Similarly, the potential opportunities were discussed from environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects. Finally, this report has pinpointed future potential research agendas related to LML. The study could be a knowledge base useful for academicians and practitioners, logistics and technical service providers, policy makers, and customers.

Introducing the Shared Micro-Depot Network for Last-Mile Logistics

“…During the last decade, with the rapid growth of online shopping, which has increased the congestion and emissions in cities, the number of academic studies in the area of lastmile logistics has significantly increased [15][16][17], where sustainability is the key objective. In particular, multiple-echelon distribution strategy is a modern trend where the delivery of parcels from the initial distribution center to the final customer is done through intermediate and typically small depots in order to minimize the total transportation cost of the vehicles involved in the deliver process [18,19].…”

Measuring Disruptions in Last-Mile Delivery Operations

“…Last-mile logistics refers to the direct connection between the service provider and the end customer [10]. Due to its relevance, the number of articles on city logistics for determining issues, modelling efforts, trends, and gaps has increased [10].…”

“…Last-mile logistics refers to the direct connection between the service provider and the end customer [10]. Due to its relevance, the number of articles on city logistics for determining issues, modelling efforts, trends, and gaps has increased [10]. In this context, understanding and analysing transport behaviour in different cities allows estimating the impact of last-mile operations in cities [11].…”

“…[13,14] present a collection and analysis of different public policies for urban transport behaviour. Thus, the significant challenges facing last-mile logistics are the infrastructure, local government management, and transport behaviour for decision making [10].…”

Impact of the Construction Supplies Implementation on Road Safety in the City Center: A Case Study of the City of Szczecin

“…Last mile logistics is often described as the wasteful, most expensive, and polluting air and environmental part of the supply chain [6]. Increasing the intensity of freight flow is exacerbating the problems of transport congestion, air and noise pollution, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and the destruction of transport infrastructure and road accidents [7].…”