Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

7-2025

Abstract

This study introduces a novel approximation model that integrates the ideologies of order statistics and max-plus algebra in representing the collection and distribution service schemes of a last-mile delivery system. Under the respective schemes, electric cargo bikes (e-bikes) perform the last-mile delivery near a microhub with shuttles collecting packages from multiple local logistics hubs (or local hubs, for short) and/or distributing packages to multiple microhubs. The framework is designed to estimate the cyclic capacity under varying cargo carrying capacities of the e-bikes and service network configurations. Real-world data, such as the geographic conditions of the streets around the microhubs in Seoul and their catchment areas, were utilized in statistical experiments. The study’s findings are applicable to delivery service providers, to enable them to make informed decisions when designing and implementing last-mile delivery systems that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable in meeting customers’ expectations.

Keywords

Freight systems, urban freight transportation, city logistics and last-mile strategies, street use

Discipline

Operations and Supply Chain Management | Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

Transportation Research Record

First Page

1

Last Page

18

ISSN

0361-1981

Identifier

10.1177/03611981251346182

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981251346182

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