Geometrical Parcel Locker Network Design with Consideration of Users’ Preferences as a Solution for Sustainable Last Mile Delivery

Abstract

Last mile logistics accounts for a small part of deliveries geographically, but generates disproportionately high costs, energy consumption, and pollutant emissions. Parcel lockers are a solution with great potential to make deliveries more sustainable. In order to use this potential, the network should be designed in such a way that users are willing to collect parcels on foot or by bicycle and to use a given number of parcel lockers to cover as much area as possible. This area is still unexplored. The purpose of this article is to present a geometric method for designing a network of parcel lockers taking into account user preferences. Authors have used methods such as literature studies, survey, and statistical analysis. The analysis conducted showed that using a triangular network allows for greater coverage than a square one with the same number of parcel lockers. The median declared distance to allow regular parcel collection by walking or cycling was 500 m. Characteristics such as gender, age, education, and type of residence did not affect this parameter. Implementing data on customer preferences into the design of a parcel locker network and using a triangular network of parcel lockers allows for deliveries to be more sustainable.

Performance Analysis of Automated Parcel Lockers in Urban Delivery: Combined Agent-Based–Monte Carlo Simulation Approach

“…Cieśla [35] finds that dedicated application, adjusting the size of the package to the size of the box, improvements for people with disabilities or special needs, security of the parcel, and parking next to automated parcel lockers are among the most required attributes of the parcel locker systems. Studies have been dedicated to parcel lockers' network design for optimizing the routing process by transport companies [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] and reducing externalities both for companies and customers [46,47]. The modularization of the locker points, using locker towers, π-containers, and smart mobile lockers [48,49], provides adaptability in demand fluctuations.…”