Cost and Performance Optimisation in the Technological Phase of Parcel Delivery – A Literature Review

Ermin Muharemović,Samir Čaušević,Amel Kosovac,Jasmina Baraković Husić

doi:10.7307/ptt.v33i1.3439

Abstract

The present review paper provides a systematic insight into the studies published so far when it comes to the research on the cost and performance optimisation in the parcel delivery phase. Globalisation, as well as the new trends, such as selling online, directly influences the demands for the delivery of goods. Demand for the delivery of goods proportionally affects the transport prices. A great majority of deliveries is carried out in densely populated urban areas. In terms of costs, the greatest part in the courier organisations costs is observed in the technological phase of parcel delivery, which is at the same time the least efficient. For that reason, significant improvement of performance and cost optimisation in the very delivery phase is a rather challenging field for the researchers. New algorithm-based technologies, innovations in the logistics and outsourcing of individual technological phases are ways by means of which one strives to enhance the delivery efficiency, to improve performance and quality, but also - to optimise the costs in the last phase of delivery. The aim of the present paper is to offer a systematic review into the most recent research in the field of technology, innovations and outsourcing models with the aim of reducing the cost and enhancing the productivity and quality in parcel delivery.

Highlights

The traffic system as an industry being involved in the everyday life of people and the society as a whole affects social, economic, ecological, political and cultural activities in its surroundings
The aim of the present paper is to present a review of the research so far and give answers to questions such as whether there are innovations, algorithms and outsourcing models in the optimisation of costs, performance and quality in the technological phase of parcel delivery that may be directly linked to profit
The review of the sources dealing with the optimisation of costs and performance in the technological phase of parcel delivery based on logistic technological innovations, algorithm and outsourcing is presented using

Summary

Introduction

The traffic system as an industry being involved in the everyday life of people and the society as a whole affects social, economic, ecological, political and cultural activities in its surroundings. It is estimated that in 2016 the postal sector in the European Union, which encompasses mail, parcel and express delivery services, made a total profit of 90 million euro [1]. Each technological phase of postal traffic is an individual phase, which is why the costs are treated, analysed and calculated separately [2]. The demand for postal services is not equal throughout the year, this being the reason why it is quite important to synchronize the demands and oscillations within time periods, i.e. seasonal trends, as they are driving the capacities creating the direct costs. The postal companies in the last phases of the logistic process resort to the so-called last-mile-delivery phase

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