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A parcel network flow approach for joint delivery networks using parcel lockers

Author

Listed:
  • Shichang Pan
  • Lele Zhang
  • Russell G. Thompson
  • Hadi Ghaderi

Abstract

Current courier networks in metropolitan areas are characterised by utilising fleets of vans that perform collection and distribution routes independently. This results in long stem distances, low load factors and high environmental costs. Joint delivery systems have the potential to reduce the distances of pick-up and drop-off routes. In this context, parcel lockers can be utilised to transfer goods between vans, electrical vehicles and bikes to improve the efficiency and sustainability of courier networks. This paper presents a model for designing joint delivery networks in urban areas by utilising parcel lockers. This model has a two-level structure: the lower level dealing with multi-depot capacitated vehicle routing problems (MDCVRP) for a set of depots and lockers whilst the upper level being a (minimum-cost) parcel network flow problem (PNFP) considering goods delivered between depots and lockers and the selection of lockers’ positions and sizes. A hybrid algorithm integrating a Genetic Algorithm with the Lin-Kernighan Heuristic has been developed. The GA focuses on finding solutions for the PNFP. Once the paths of parcel flow are determined, the LKH optimises vehicle flow. This paper is the first to consider the use of parcel lockers for business-to-business networks in the form of MDCVRP.

Suggested Citation

  • Shichang Pan & Lele Zhang & Russell G. Thompson & Hadi Ghaderi, 2021. "A parcel network flow approach for joint delivery networks using parcel lockers," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(7), pages 2090-2115, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tprsxx:v:59:y:2021:i:7:p:2090-2115
    DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2020.1856440
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Regal, Andrés & Gonzalez-Feliu, Jesús & Rodriguez, Michelle, 2023. "A spatio-functional logistics profile clustering analysis method for metropolitan areas," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    2. Marisdea Castiglione & Antonio Comi & Rosita De Vincentis & Andreea Dumitru & Marialisa Nigro, 2022. "Delivering in Urban Areas: A Probabilistic-Behavioral Approach for Forecasting the Use of Electric Micromobility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Henri Kervola & Erika Kallionpää & Heikki Liimatainen, 2022. "Delivering Goods Using a Baby Pram: The Sustainability of Last-Mile Logistics Business Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Massimo Di Gangi & Antonio Polimeni & Orlando Marco Belcore, 2023. "Freight Distribution in Small Islands: Integration between Naval Services and Parcel Lockers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-15, May.
    5. Paulina Golinska-Dawson & Kanchana Sethanan, 2023. "Sustainable Urban Freight for Energy-Efficient Smart Cities—Systematic Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-28, March.
    6. Zhang, Lele & Ding, Pengyuan & Thompson, Russell G., 2023. "A stochastic formulation of the two-echelon vehicle routing and loading bay reservation problem," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    7. Patricija Bajec & Danijela Tuljak-Suban, 2022. "A Strategic Approach for Promoting Sustainable Crowdshipping in Last-Mile Deliveries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-17, October.

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