Evaluating the efficiency of a parcel locker network: a case study of variable demand and storage duration in Pardubice city

TT.
2025;
: 1-13
https://doi.org/10.23939/tt2025.01.001
Received: January 31, 2025
Accepted: May 12, 2025
1
University of Pardubice
2
University of Pardubice

Last-mile delivery is the last element of the supply chain. It plays a key role in urban logistics processes related to the efficient and environmentally friendly transportation of goods within an urban area. The growth of e-commerce, the need to minimize the environmental impact of transportation, and the increasing demand for efficient delivery services require alternatives to traditional home delivery. Numerous studies suggest that the use of parcel locker networks helps optimize transportation and reduce logistics costs. This method is simple to implement, although it requires additional investment in parcel lockers and support from delivery service customers. This study examines the operation of a parcel locker network under conditions where users have up to three days to collect their parcels after delivery, considering variable demand for parcel locker deliveries depending on the day of the week. Locker occupancy was calculated for different user behavior scenarios, particularly cases where different shares of recipients pick up their parcels on the first or second day after delivery. The calculations were based on data from Pardubice, Czech Republic (a city with a population of 92362 inhabitants). The findings indicate that if a significant share of consumers delays the parcel collection, the existing network may not be sufficient, leading to delivery bottlenecks. The findings can be used to improve parcel locker network management and enhance last-mile logistics efficiency. To address capacity shortages, potential solutions include limiting parcel storage time instead of immediately expanding locker networks. However, further research and user feedback are needed to validate this approach.

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