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Factors Influencing Courier Drivers’ Preferences and Safety Perceptions in Urban Deliveries

Author

Listed:
  • Tijana Ivanišević

    (Department in Kragujevac, Academy of Professional Studies Sumadija, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia)

  • Aleksandar Trifunović

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Larysa Neduzha

    (Department of Technical Mechanics, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, Lazaryan 2, 49010 Dnipro, Ukraine)

  • Sreten Simović

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro)

Abstract

Background: Urban freight transport is essential for the functioning of cities. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce, creating new challenges for courier services. While consumer satisfaction has been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to courier drivers’ own perceptions and preferences. This study aims to fill that gap. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 139 drivers employed in eight courier companies in Serbia. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical methods (Independent Samples T -Test, Paired-Samples T -Test, and One-way ANOVA), with additional post hoc tests to explore group differences. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed across demographic, operational, and safety-related factors (gender, age, residence, occupation, license ownership, delivery area, and type of goods). A strong preference emerged for passenger vehicles as the safest mode of delivery, highlighting a misalignment between current operational practices and drivers’ safety perceptions. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring delivery strategies to demographic and operational contexts. Practical recommendations include improving transport safety, optimizing delivery zones, and addressing driver satisfaction as a determinant of service quality. The study contributes new insights into last-mile delivery by focusing on the perspectives of courier drivers rather than consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tijana Ivanišević & Aleksandar Trifunović & Larysa Neduzha & Sreten Simović, 2025. "Factors Influencing Courier Drivers’ Preferences and Safety Perceptions in Urban Deliveries," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:4:p:145-:d:1769964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lenka Černá & Vladimír Klapita & Zdenka Bulková, 2025. "A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework for Railway Sidings Supporting Sustainable Freight and Strategic Infrastructure Planning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    2. Zhao Zhang & Chun-Yan Xiao & Zhi-Guo Zhang, 2023. "Analysis and Empirical Study of Factors Influencing Urban Residents’ Acceptance of Routine Drone Deliveries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-27, September.
    3. Ruiyuan Zhang & Youqi Wang & Yuhan Zhang & Yiru Bai, 2023. "Distribution, Sources, and Health Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Farmland Soil of Helan, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Kristina Čižiūnienė & Greta Draugelytė & Edgar Sokolovskij & Jonas Matijošius, 2025. "Improving Small Parcel Delivery Efficiency and Sustainability: A Study of Lithuanian Private Delivery Company," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Sreten Simović & Aleksandar Trifunović & Tijana Ivanišević & Vaidas Lukoševičius & Larysa Neduzha, 2025. "Assessing Tractors’ Active Safety in Serbia: A Driving Simulator Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-19, July.
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