Innovative sustainable urban logistics: optimizing networks and operations for the future of last-mile delivery
| PhD ceremony: | P. (Pinar) Ozyavas |
| When: | May 12, 2025 |
| Start: | 12:45 |
| Supervisors: | E. (Evrim) Ursavas, Prof, prof. dr. R.H. Teunter |
| Co-supervisor: | dr. ir. P. (Paul) Buijs |
| Where: | Academy building RUG |
| Faculty: | Economics and Business |
Last-mile delivery faces growing challenges due to rising e-commerce demand, urban congestion, and sustainability goals. This thesis explores optimization models to enhance efficiency while balancing operational, environmental, and regulatory factors.
Chapter 2 examines the challenge of flexible courier work arrangements, which lead to variations in courier availability and operational inefficiencies. To address this, a variant of pick-up and delivery problem is developed, integrating courier shift scheduling with delivery routing. The results show that optimizing shift assignments and bundling deliveries improves efficiency and reduces operational costs.
Chapter 3 focuses on parcel locker systems with a dual role as collection points for customers and as transfer points for delivery companies to reduce travel distances and emissions. The problem is formulated as a variant of location-routing problem to determine optimal parcel locker locations and capacities, and delivery routes. Findings from a real-world case study show that strategically placed parcel lockers enhance sustainability but require a balance between cost and coverage.
Chapter 4 explores shared mobility platforms as a solution for zero-emission urban logistics. An optimization model is developed to determine fleet size and pricing strategies for the platform. The results indicate that expanding the user base improves profitability while maintaining affordability and accessibility. The platform’s strategy evolves with scale, relying on fleet expansion and price adjustments at smaller scales, and maintaining profitability with fewer changes at larger scales.