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Postboxes Quantitative Optimization Model

Author

Listed:
  • Milica Šelmić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Miloš Nikolić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Aleksandar Čupić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

Technological developments are having a significant impact on purchasing habits and consumer behavior, and threaten the traditional model of the delivery of goods by post. The replacement of traditional letter-post items with electronic forms of communication has led to declines in the volume of postal items. Therefore, the collection of postal items has become very inefficient. This paper proposes that the postal network segment needs to be reorganized by reducing the current number of installed postboxes. To this end, a mathematical model has been defined. Considering that postboxes are one of the most basic access points to the postal network, territorial accessibility must be taken into account. The proposed model, with minor modifications, can easily be applied to optimize other access points in transportation networks. For testing purposes, this paper presents the results of computational experiments based on real data. The final result consists of scenarios that present a decision support system for the redesign of postal networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Milica Šelmić & Miloš Nikolić & Aleksandar Čupić, 2020. "Postboxes Quantitative Optimization Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:5:p:1945-:d:328020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nima Pourmohammadreza & Mohammad Reza Akbari Jokar, 2023. "A Novel Two-Phase Approach for Optimization of the Last-Mile Delivery Problem with Service Options," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Katarina Mostarac & Petar Mostarac & Zvonko Kavran & Dragana Šarac, 2022. "Determining Optimal Locations of Postal Access Points Based on Simulated Annealing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Bruno, Giuseppe & Cavola, Manuel & Diglio, Antonio & Piccolo, Carmela & Pipicelli, Eduardo, 2021. "Strategies to reduce postal network access points: from demographic to spatial distribution criteria," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).

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