Intelligent Out-of-Home Delivery Planning in Urban Logistics: A Case Study of Prague

Libor Švadlenka; Momčilo Dobrodolac; Sara Jovčić; Stefan Jovčić; Vladimir Simic; Nedeljko Karakaš

doi:10.31181/sdmap41202784

Authors

Libor Švadlenka University of Pardubice, Faculty of Transport Engineering, Pardubice, Czech Republic Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6484-6660
Momčilo Dobrodolac Department of Mathematics SIMATS Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Mechanical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8112-8329
Sara Jovčić University of Pardubice, Faculty of Transport Engineering, Pardubice, Czech Republic Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0331-4262
Stefan Jovčić University of Pardubice, Faculty of Transport Engineering, Pardubice, Czech Republic Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9162-2133
Vladimir Simic 1) Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Informatics, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; 2) Faculty of Engineering, Dogus University, 34775 Umraniye, Istanbul, Türkiye; 3) Center for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Research, Bahçeşehir Cyprus University, Nicosia, TRNC Mersin 10, Northern Cyprus Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5836-6881
Nedeljko Karakaš Belgrade Business School, Belgrade, Serbia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7146-3226

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31181/sdmap41202784

Keywords:

City Logistics, Last-mile Delivery, Internet of Things, E-Commerce, Local Depo, Self-service Machines, Postal Items, Postal Process

Abstract

The rapid growth of e-commerce has increased the demand for efficient and sustainable last-mile delivery solutions, creating challenges related to traffic congestion, delivery costs, and environmental impacts in urban areas. This paper presents an intelligent last-mile delivery model that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology with collaboration among delivery companies to improve urban logistics. The proposed concept enables multiple companies to share local urban depots as consolidation and distribution points for final deliveries, while real-time information on depot occupancy and available capacity is collected through sensor networks and cloud-based communication systems to support coordinated resource allocation. The model is further extended to out-of-home delivery through stationary and mobile parcel lockers equipped with IoT sensors for monitoring available capacity and facilitating reservation management. To evaluate current last-mile delivery practices, a survey was conducted among 38 postal and logistics companies operating in Prague and other regions of Czechia. The survey examined the use of local depots, delivery infrastructure, fleet characteristics, smart technologies, and collaboration practices. The findings indicate limited adoption of collaborative delivery concepts and IoT-enabled infrastructure despite considerable opportunities for improvement. The proposed model provides a practical framework for better resource utilization through shared infrastructure and real-time information exchange. Its implementation can reduce redundant vehicle movements, improve delivery coordination, lower operational costs, mitigate traffic congestion, and decrease transport-related emissions, supporting the development of more efficient and sustainable urban logistics systems.

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