Optimal Location Analysis of Delivery Parcel-Pickup Points Using AHP and Network Huff Model: A Case Study of Shiweitang Sub-District in Guangzhou City, China

Abstract

The use of parcel-pickup points (PPPs) is an effective approach for solving the last-mile problem. However, few studies provide specific guidance for the optimal organization of PPPs. Here, a geographic information system(GIS)-based hybrid model was developed combining the widely used analytic hierarchy process (AHP) multi-criteria analysis method with the Huff model that predicts the number of visiting customers to determine the optimal facility for collaboration and service as a PPP. Using this model, a decision-maker can select the highest-ranking facility or use the fluctuation ranking graph to determine a priority list of candidate facilities according to the appropriate PPP service distance. Our findings suggest that the optimal candidate facility should be located near high population density areas, a dense road network, and few geographic barriers. The facility should have a high attractiveness value, long business hours, and convenient access to public transportation, cover a large, high-population area, and should be a retail chain store. Based on these findings, the AHP method can improve the accuracy of obtaining the facility attractiveness value using the Huff model. Facility attractiveness has a strong effect on the resulting number of customers in the case of acceptably long distances to residential buildings.

A methodologically sound survey of Chinese consumers’ willingness to participate in courier, express, and parcel companies’ green logistics

“…More specifically, the economic items of payment [7,17,27,40], time spent [4,6,7,42,43], environmental consideration [4,8,23], reuse [17,44], recycling [7,44], and positive response [7,17] have been considered in separate, but related, studies in different green logistics and purchase contexts. Similarly, the operational items of support [41], corporate strategy [24] and ecological mode of working [22,26], and the social items of shared pickup locations [45,46], community help [16,17,47], and volunteering [24,44] have also been shown to affect the adoption of green logistics by different companies.…”

“…Establishing common public pick-up points can not only save money, but it also reduces the need for home delivery and pick-up, which, in turn, can reduce CO 2 emissions from the transport activities of express companies. Researchers, therefore, focus on optimum locations for common public pick-up points, particularly for China [46]. Accordingly, this is an important measure of CWPGL.…”

Analysis of Location Selection of Public Service Facilities Based on Urban Land Accessibility

“…Besides mathematical theory of location selection of public service facilities, recent research tends to apply more complicated algorithms to make the computing environment closer to reality. Zheng et al [ 6 ] developed a geographic information system (GIS)-based hybrid model combining the widely used analytic hierarchy process (AHP) multi-criteria analysis method with the Huff model that predicts the number of visiting customers to determine the optimal facility for collaboration and service as a parcel-pickup point. Song et al [ 7 ] utilized the new gravity P-median model to conduct an empirical study for the spatial equilibrium layout of general hospitals in the urban area of Nanjing City.…”

Heterogeneity of Spatial Distribution and Factors Influencing Unattended Locker Points in Guangzhou, China: The Case of Hive Box

“…To this end, the spatial interactions between pickup points and end consumers [11,20], site characteristics, and the regional location characteristics of parcel lockers are key problems to overcome [10,21]. The spatial pattern [22,23] and site selection [19,24] of parcel lockers have also been analyzed. However, neither the accessibility [2,25], adoption [26,27], and usability [28,29] of parcel lockers from the end consumer's perspective nor the potential demand for automated delivery stations from the e-commerce delivery perspective have been addressed [30].…”