Comparison of various urban distribution systems supporting e-commerce. Point-to-point vs collection-point-based deliveries

E-commerce is a sector in continual growth in all countries and, in particular, the increase in B2C (Business to Consumer) e-commerce market has important effects on last-mile deliveries in city areas. The delivery of a parcel to a consumer's address involves not only high costs for both couriers (extended car routes) and consumers (high prices) and also greater environmental pollution. The growing demand for deliveries in urban areas involves increases in traffic and congestion problems and, consequently, environmental issues. In recent years, many studies have focused on alternative measures to reduce the negative aspects and impact of last-mile deliveries. Good practice to rationalize last-mile delivery should involve the use of various systems, such as reception boxes, delivery boxes, controlled access systems, collection points and lockers. This paper compares two alternative options to home delivery. In particular, it makes comparisons between point-to-point and lockers, states the pro and cons of both, and defines the best positions to locate lockers to reduce consumers' deviations. The proposed method is applied to a real case: the Italian municipality of Dolo (near Venice).