Conclusion and future
research
\label{conclusion-and-future-research}
This research aimed to identify, through a systematic literature review,
new ways of operating the last mile distribution in urban areas and the
technologies related to it. Specifically, the main features of the
vehicles, the barriers, opportunities and benefits (economic,
environmental and social) of their use, as well as the delivery
extensions of each case, were identified.
It has been observed a trend towards a size reduction of the vehicles
(likewise capacity) used for last mile deliveries in urban areas. It is
noteworthy that pressures imposed on traffic, due to aspects related to
land use, like restrictions on the trucks movement and
geographic/historical aspects have made the operation of last mile
deliveries, traditionally done by trucks, a challenge for all actors
involved. For this reason, the observed frequency of references suggests
that deliveries should be done by bicycles/tricycles/motorcycles (42%)
and light commercial vehicles, identified in 58% of the occurrences.
However, there are still cultural barriers related to the acceptability
of customers in signing contracts with companies that operate with
alternative vehicles, especially bicycles.
In addition, it was observed the migration of the source of vehicles
propulsion to electric energy, indicated in 69% of the studies, in
detriment to the fossil fuels. These data show a concern, not just to
avoid the adverse effects of a congested road network, but also to take
measures based on the social and environmental sustainability of urban
freight transportation. Therefore, it is fundamental to develop new
studies that analyze how the growth of electric vehicles can be
integrated into the supply chain and how it can be an opportunity for
cooperation between all the stakeholders.
These trends imply further issues that require more studies, such as the
consequences for the operational level of service by increasing the
number of trips made by even smaller vehicles and how to adapt the road
network to integrate these types of vehicles, notably bicycles and
tricycles.