Behavioral intention to use parcel lockers in the last mile and underlying linkages with travel modal choice

Abstract

As e-commerce expands globally, using parcel lockers is becoming more and more common. Ultimately, our study contributes to a better understanding of last-mile delivery intents by providing insightful information to legislators and courier businesses seeking to encourage locker usage. After an online survey was completed in Mumbai, India, a Latent class cluster analysis and structural equation modeling were used to examine the variables influencing parcel locker users' usage. The study is unique in that it looks at three clusters: regular transit users, car owners, and those who own and use two-wheelers to explore the relationship between transportation mode choice and intention to utilize parcel lockers. According to the findings, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risks, and shopping preference are among the major drivers of behavioral intention to use parcel lockers. Owners of motorcycles and bicycles showed a positive correlation between all parameters and their intention to use parcel lockers, suggesting that ease of access will lead them to utilize this service. The relevance of convenience in locker accessibility was shown by the positive link between perceived usefulness and attitude among regular transit users. Contrary, car owners only indicated a positive correlation with perceived ease of use, indicating a low propensity to use parcel lockers. These results highlight the necessity for urban logistics regulations to adjust to new delivery models like parcel lockers by matching service offerings to various means of transportation and considering locker placement. In cities, these flexible regulations may increase accessibility and encourage creative last-mile solutions.