The Use of Drones for Last-Mile Delivery: A Numerical Case Study in Milan, Italy

Fabio Borghetti,Angela Carboni,Roberto Maja,Benedetto Barabino,Gaia Grossato,Claudia Caballini

doi:10.3390/su14031766

Fabio Borghetti, Angela Carboni + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031766

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Abstract

The increasing use of e-commerce introduces major challenges for last-mile delivery, which is critical to ensure smooth functioning of supply chains. Besides the speed and cost of delivery, which are the most important factors for last-mile logistics, environmental and social sustainability factors are taking on an increasingly important role, especially in urban areas. In this perspective, last-mile delivery by drones could be a good choice both in terms of transport speed and sustainability. Being electrically powered, drones can reduce environmental impact; moreover, they enable the reduction of road congestion since they do not interfere with land infrastructures. The goal of this study is to analyse the viability of drones for last-mile delivery in the Italian city of Milan. A stated preference survey was carried out to assess end-user propensity towards drones. Using these results, a goods delivery service by drones was designed. Furthermore, a preliminary financial analysis was performed to evaluate the benefits for a company that would provide such a transport service. Findings show that last-mile delivery by drones can be successfully used to deliver small and light packages, reducing environmental and social impacts, and ensuring profits for the transport provider.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The analysis revealed that the probability of choosing the drone is always high, compared to other vehicles
Last-mile logistics plays an important role for the distribution of goods to end customers

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Last-mile delivery plays an essential role in the distribution of goods to people, providing the last phase of the supply chain. It is crucial to design, plan, and manage it properly [1]. This is even more important in urban areas, which are the “engine” of a territory’s economic growth, employment, and development. The demand for freight transport has increased considerably due to urbanization, population growth, e-commerce, and new technologies [2].

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