Leveraging joint distribution in urban express delivery to lessen environmental impacts: a case study

IF 1.8 Q3 MANAGEMENT

Nankai Business Review International Pub Date : 2022-06-29 DOI:10.1108/nbri-08-2021-0060

Jiangtao Hong, Chenlin Zhan, K. Lau

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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the use of joint distribution to reduce environmental cost of express delivery in urban logistics. Design/methodology/approach An optimization model was developed to help design the joint distribution network. A real case in Songjiang University Town of Shanghai, China, was used to explore empirically the potential benefit of the design. Performance of the proposed joint distribution was compared with that of the current distribution design using separate deliveries. Findings The findings show that, using joint distribution in express delivery, a significant saving in economic cost (up to a reduction of 25%) and environmental cost (up to a reduction of 87%) can be achieved. Research limitations/implications This study provides a reference for joint distribution network design for last-mile delivery in urban logistics. Practical implications Express delivery companies can explore the use of joint distribution to reduce operating cost and increase distribution efficiency of the industry. Social implications Joint distribution can facilitate maximization of vehicle utilization and reduction of delivery trips. This will help reduce fuel consumption, carbon emission, as well as other externalities, such as noise and traffic congestion. Originality/value Research in joint distribution to date focuses mainly on reduction in operating cost only. Consideration of environmental impact is relatively limited. This paper fills the gap in the literature by using a real case to illustrate the significant benefit of joint distribution in reducing the negative impact of urban logistics on the environment.

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利用城市快递联合配送减少环境影响:个案研究

目的探讨利用联合配送降低城市物流快递环境成本的方法。设计/方法/途径开发了一个优化模型来帮助设计联合配电网。以中国上海松江大学城为例，实证探讨了该设计的潜在效益。将提出的联合配送的性能与当前使用单独配送的配送设计进行了比较。研究结果研究结果显示，在快递中采用联合配送，可显著节省经济成本(最多可减少25%)和环境成本(最多可减少87%)。本研究为城市物流中最后一公里配送的联合配送网络设计提供了参考。实践意义快递企业可以探索利用联合配送降低运营成本，提高行业配送效率。社会意义联合配送可以最大限度地提高车辆利用率，减少送货行程。这将有助于减少燃料消耗，碳排放，以及其他外部性，如噪音和交通拥堵。独创性/价值迄今为止，对联合分销的研究主要集中在降低运营成本上。对环境影响的考虑相对有限。本文通过使用一个真实案例来说明联合配送在减少城市物流对环境的负面影响方面的显着效益，填补了文献中的空白。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Nankai Business Review International MANAGEMENT-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

3.60%

发文量

期刊介绍： Nankai Business Review International (NBRI) provides insights in to the adaptation of American and European management theory in China, the differences and exchanges between Chinese and western management styles, the relationship between Chinese enterprises’ management practice and social evolution and showcases the development and evolution of management theories based on Chinese cultural characteristics. The journal provides research of interest to managers and entrepreneurs worldwide with an interest in China as well as research associations and scholars focusing on Chinese problems in business and management.