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Cited by 179Urban and Freight Transport LogisticsVehicle Routing Optimization Methodstransportation and logistics systems

Sustainable Vehicles-Based Alternatives in Last Mile Distribution of Urban Freight Transport: A Systematic Literature Review

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Oliveira, Cintia, Albergaria De Mello Bandeira, Renata, Vasconcelos Goes, George, Schmitz Gonçalves, Daniel, D’Agosto, Márcio·2017·Sustainability
DOI 10.3390/su9081324
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Abstract

The advent of new technologies in last mile deliveries is about to cause a disruption in the traditional business model applied in urban cargo transportation, thus presenting innumerous research opportunities in this field of knowledge. In this context, identifying new operation models and vehicles that could be applied for last mile deliveries in urban areas becomes crucial. Therefore, this paper aims to identify, through a systematic literature review, the main types of vehicles addressed in the literature that could be used in the last mile of urban freight distribution in order to increase the sustainability of this type of operation. The results indicate a trend for the implementation of smaller and lighter vehicles for last mile deliveries in urban areas: 47% of the studies suggest, among other alternatives, the use of bicycles and tricycles; while 53% of the articles support the use of light commercial vehicles. Another trend observed in this type of distribution, indicated in 64% of the studies, is the shift from conventional (fossil fuels) to alternative sources of energy (electricity).

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References 45 · Cited by 179

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Authors
Oliveira, C., Albergaria De Mello Bandeira, R., Vasconcelos Goes, G., Schmitz Gonçalves, D., & D’Agosto, M.
Affiliations
  • Program of Transportation Engineering COPPE/UFRJ. Technology Center, Building H–Room 117, University City–Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 999074, Brazil
  • Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (BR)
ORCID
Vasconcelos Goes, George
Venue
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2017-07-29
Volume
9
Issue
8
Pages
1324
ISSN
2071-1050 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/su9081324
OpenAlex
W2741809319
Cited by
179
References
45
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 25 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 10
FWCI
1.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Urban and Freight Transport Logistics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Vehicle Routing Optimization Methods
  • Social Sciences › Transportation › transportation and logistics systems
Keywords
last-mile delivery, urban freight transport, sustainable vehicles, electric vehicles, bicycles, tricycles, light commercial vehicles, alternative energy, urban logistics, freight distribution

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