Smart Method for Self-Organization in Last-Mile Parcel Delivery

Journal article (2020)

Authors

Ron van Duin Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Transport and Logistics - TPM
T.S. Vlot Movares, Utrecht
Lorant Tavasszy Transport and Logistics - TPM ,
M.B. Duinkerken Transport Engineering and Logistics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Bernd van Dijk Prime Vision
Research Group
Transport and Logistics (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2020 Ron van Duin, T.S. Vlot, Lorant Tavasszy, M.B. Duinkerken, Bernd van Dijk
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120976062
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Published Date

2020

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Engineering, Systems and Services

Research Group

Transport and Logistics

Abstract

Parcel delivery operators experience an increasing pressure to meet the strongly growing demand for delivery services, while protecting city livability and the environment. Improving the performance of the last mile of delivery is considered key in meeting this challenge as it forms the most inefficient, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly part of delivery operations. A primary cause is a significant duplication of service areas, resulting in redundant vehicle kilometers traveled. In this paper, a new method is presented that allows for the allocation of parcels to delivery vehicles and construction of vehicle routes in real time through an auctioning system. These tasks are performed in a self-organizing manner by vehicles, parcels, and a supporting platform, to allow for collaborative and intermodal delivery. The performance of this new method is tested and compared against the currently used techniques using an agent-based simulation model. The new method manages to greatly improve the efficiency, robustness, and flexibility of delivery operations.

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