Leveraging joint distribution in urban express delivery to lessen environmental impacts: a case study
Nankai Business Review International
ISSN: 2040-8749
Article publication date: 29 June 2022
Issue publication date: 27 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the use of joint distribution to reduce environmental cost of express delivery in urban logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
An optimization model was developed to help design the joint distribution network. A real case in Songjiang University Town of Shanghai, China, was used to explore empirically the potential benefit of the design. Performance of the proposed joint distribution was compared with that of the current distribution design using separate deliveries.
Findings
The findings show that, using joint distribution in express delivery, a significant saving in economic cost (up to a reduction of 25%) and environmental cost (up to a reduction of 87%) can be achieved.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides a reference for joint distribution network design for last-mile delivery in urban logistics.
Practical implications
Express delivery companies can explore the use of joint distribution to reduce operating cost and increase distribution efficiency of the industry.
Social implications
Joint distribution can facilitate maximization of vehicle utilization and reduction of delivery trips. This will help reduce fuel consumption, carbon emission, as well as other externalities, such as noise and traffic congestion.
Originality/value
Research in joint distribution to date focuses mainly on reduction in operating cost only. Consideration of environmental impact is relatively limited. This paper fills the gap in the literature by using a real case to illustrate the significant benefit of joint distribution in reducing the negative impact of urban logistics on the environment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was sponsored by Shanghai talent development funding (#2020134).
Citation
Hong, J., Zhan, C. and Lau, K.H. (2022), "Leveraging joint distribution in urban express delivery to lessen environmental impacts: a case study", Nankai Business Review International, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 567-586. https://doi.org/10.1108/NBRI-08-2021-0060
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited