Abstract
The paper is dealing with the problem of finding the optimal number and location of Loading Bays (LBs) for efficient urban last mile deliveries. To solve the problem a multi-parametric model of the idealized urban area is introduced and applied to various instances of a rectangular urban grid structured zones. Multi-parametric approach is used to assess statistically the most relevant number and location of LBs. Computational and graphical results of the idealized model exhibit geometric patterns showing that the optimal Number of LBs (#LB) naturally tends to perfect squares. Moreover, even in case of generalized instances, at a selected number of LBs their distribution is not random but follows specific laws. The optimality is closely related to the prefixed (maximal) walking distance dmax, from the LB to the customer. Based on various simulations the existence and robustness of a descending convex dependence dmax = (#LB) is proven. The results might serve as a decision-making tool to determine the optimal number and location of LBs for any real-life city centre.
Highlights
Cities are irrepressibly becoming larger, which leads to various problems related to increasing traffic in urban areas
For solving the problem of setting the optimal number and location of Loading Bays (LBs) and overcome before mentioned restrictions, we introduced the new multi-parametric model, which is combining fuzzy clustering and probability densities of cluster centres to evaluate the efficiency of placing a different number of LBs in a typical urban grid cell of 1 km2, considering uncertainties related to delivery demand
Our research aims to evaluate the impact of different parameters on the optimal number and location of LBs
Summary
Cities are irrepressibly becoming larger, which leads to various problems related to increasing traffic in urban areas. One of the major problems is related to delivery vehicles, which are contributing considerably to congestion, pollution and emissions (Lindholm 2013; Tozzi et al 2014; Zou et al 2016). Cities are implementing various restrictive measures (e.g. ban for heavy-duty vehicles, low emission zones, time windows, congestion charging, etc.) to mitigate negative effects of urban freight deliveries (Buldeo Rai et al 2017; Fu, Jenelius 2018; Holguín-Veras, Sánchez-Díaz 2016; Marcucci et al 2017; Quak, De Koster 2009; Russo, Comi 2011). When direct delivery to customers is not possible a Loading Bay (LB) is needed for transhipment of goods and parking of delivery vehicles during the final (last mile) delivery operations (Alho et al 2014; Guastaroba et al 2016; Letnik et al 2018)
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