Selecting Freight Transportation Modes in Last-Mile Urban Distribution in Pamplona (Spain): An Option for Drone Delivery in Smart Cities

Adrian Serrano-Hernandez, Aitor Ballano and Javier Faulin
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Adrian Serrano-Hernandez: Department of Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics, Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
Aitor Ballano: Department of Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics, Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
Javier Faulin: Department of Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics, Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Urban distribution in medium-sized cities faces a major challenge, mainly when deliveries are difficult in the city center due to: an increase of e-commerce, weak public transportation system, and the promotion of urban sustainability plans. As a result, private cars, public transportation, and freight transportation compete for the same space. This paper analyses the current state for freight logistics in the city center of Pamplona (Spain) and proposes alternative transportation routes and transportation modes in the last-mile city center distribution according to different criteria evaluated by residents. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was developed. A number of alternatives have been assessed considering routes and transportation modes: the shortest route criterion and avoiding some city center area policies are combined with traditional van-based, bike, and aerial (drone) distribution protocols for delivering parcels and bar/restaurant supplies. These alternatives have been evaluated within a multicriteria framework in which economic, environmental, and social objectives are considered at the same time. The point in this multicriteria framework is that the criteria/alternative AHP weights and priorities have been set according to a survey deployed in the city of Pamplona (Navarre, Spain). The survey and AHP results show the preference for the use of drone or bike distribution in city center in order to reduce social and environmental issues.

Keywords: freight urban transportation; drones; analytic hierarchy process; energy optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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