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Demographic and Operational Factors in Public Transport-Based Parcel Locker Crowdshipping: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Author

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  • Mohammad Maleki

    (School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Scott Rayburg

    (School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Stephen Glackin

    (School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Background : The rapid rise of e-commerce has intensified last-mile logistics challenges, fueling the need for sustainable, efficient solutions. Parcel locker crowdshipping systems, integrated with public transport networks, show promise in reducing congestion, emissions, and delivery costs. However, operational and physical constraints (e.g., crowded stations) and liability complexities remain significant barriers to broad adoption. This study investigates the demographic and operational factors that influence the adoption and scalability of these systems. Methods : A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating survey data from 368 participants alongside insights from 20 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis identified demographic trends and operational preferences, while thematic analysis offered in-depth contextual understanding. Results : Younger adults (18–34), particularly gig-experienced males, emerged as the most engaged demographic. Females and older individuals showed meaningful potential if safety and flexibility concerns were addressed. System efficiency depended on locating parcel lockers within 1 km of major origins and destinations, focusing on moderate parcel weights (3–5 kg), and offering incentives for minor route deviations. Interviews emphasized ensuring that lockers avoid station congestion, clearly defining insurance/liability protocols, and allowing task refusals during peak passenger hours. Conclusions : By leveraging public transport infrastructure, parcel locker crowdshipping requires robust policy frameworks, strategic station-space allocation, and transparent incentives to enhance feasibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Maleki & Scott Rayburg & Stephen Glackin, 2025. "Demographic and Operational Factors in Public Transport-Based Parcel Locker Crowdshipping: A Mixed-Methods Analysis," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:2:p:55-:d:1637504
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nieto-Isaza, Santiago & Fontaine, Pirmin & Minner, Stefan, 2022. "The value of stochastic crowd resources and strategic location of mini-depots for last-mile delivery: A Benders decomposition approach," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 62-79.
    2. Schmidt, Jeanette & Tilk, Christian & Irnich, Stefan, 2024. "Using public transport in a 2-echelon last-mile delivery network," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 317(3), pages 827-840.
    3. Alexander Wyrowski & Nils Boysen & Dirk Briskorn & Stefan Schwerdfeger, 2024. "Public transport crowdshipping: moving shipments among parcel lockers located at public transport stations," OR Spectrum: Quantitative Approaches in Management, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research e.V., vol. 46(3), pages 873-907, September.
    4. Luigi Ranieri & Salvatore Digiesi & Bartolomeo Silvestri & Michele Roccotelli, 2018. "A Review of Last Mile Logistics Innovations in an Externalities Cost Reduction Vision," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Palan, Stefan & Schitter, Christian, 2018. "Prolific.ac—A subject pool for online experiments," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 17(C), pages 22-27.
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