The Aspects of the Urban Distribution in a Megacity: A Comparison Between São Paulo’s and Boston’s Urban Deliveries

Abstract

The paper aims to describe some of the aspects that characterize the logistic uniqueness of a megacity located in a developing country, through the comparison between the urban distribution operations that take place in São Paulo, a perfect example of a megacity in an emerging economy like Brazil, and a city like Boston, dense by U.S. standards. More specifically, we detail the results of two research workshops conducted in Boston-Cambridge and in São Paulo in 2012, addressing some of the main observations and reflections related to the "last mile" distribution in terms of critical points and operational differences between these two cities. These results are based on an extensive information and data collection process, from the observation of several delivery operations at different areas of the two cities and the shadowing of some delivery routes from companies of different sectors. Some aspects are discussed, like traffic regulations and enforcement, drivers' behavior, loading/unloading zones and relationship practices between companies, drivers and customers.