Exploring stakeholders' perspectives to improve the sustainability of last mile logistics for e-commerce in urban areas

Abstract

The growth experienced by e-commerce has produced a boom in Last Mile Logistics (LML) in many cities. This situation has prompted economic, social, and environmental sustainability problems caused by the total vehicles kilometers traveled and the logistic operations associated with LML. The main objective of this paper is to provide insight into the means to ensure sustainable LML in cities from the point of view of key stakeholders. Through a three-phase methodological framework consisting of a thorough literature review, a survey of key stakeholders, and an open dialogue space with them, we identified cities' needs to reach sustainable LML. Firstly, the paper provides qualitative insight into the means to reach sustainable LML in cities from the point of view of key stakeholders. Secondly, it highlights the main barriers and limitations to achieving and implementing LML policies in the urban context. The results may help policymakers implement policies to promote sustainable LML and improve livability in urban areas.