Last-mile delivery models were, of course, further complicated by the pandemic. The restrictions imposed by the global situation have, in fact, led to an unprecedented explosion of online shopping, with e-commerce becoming the primary sales channel. This shift has led to an enormous growth in volumes, the redefinition of delivery times (24/7/365) and processes, as well as to the expansion of the increasingly heterogeneous types, range and variety of goods marketed and sold. Despite the increased number and complexity of variables however, most distribution partners continue to plan their itineraries without the support of an optimisation tool. Indeed, the management of courier routes is often based on the empirical experience of the individuals who, every morning, define the daily travel plan manually.
The logistics of complexity
Defining the optimal last-mile delivery path is a complex operation, one which over the past few years has been further complicated by an increasing number of often contradictory variables. On the one hand, traffic, balancing weekly work, the environmental impact and the protection of workers’ rights. On the other hand, the needs for flexibility, personalisation and the free delivery service requested by consumers.