Factors Influencing Courier Drivers’ Preferences and Safety Perceptions in Urban Deliveries

Tijana Ivanišević, Aleksandar Trifunović (), Larysa Neduzha and Sreten Simović
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Tijana Ivanišević: Department in Kragujevac, Academy of Professional Studies Sumadija, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
Aleksandar Trifunović: Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Larysa Neduzha: Department of Technical Mechanics, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, Lazaryan 2, 49010 Dnipro, Ukraine
Sreten Simović: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Background: Urban freight transport is essential for the functioning of cities. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce, creating new challenges for courier services. While consumer satisfaction has been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to courier drivers’ own perceptions and preferences. This study aims to fill that gap. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 139 drivers employed in eight courier companies in Serbia. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical methods (Independent Samples T -Test, Paired-Samples T -Test, and One-way ANOVA), with additional post hoc tests to explore group differences. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed across demographic, operational, and safety-related factors (gender, age, residence, occupation, license ownership, delivery area, and type of goods). A strong preference emerged for passenger vehicles as the safest mode of delivery, highlighting a misalignment between current operational practices and drivers’ safety perceptions. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring delivery strategies to demographic and operational contexts. Practical recommendations include improving transport safety, optimizing delivery zones, and addressing driver satisfaction as a determinant of service quality. The study contributes new insights into last-mile delivery by focusing on the perspectives of courier drivers rather than consumers.

Keywords: delivery; courier services; delivery personnel; perception; attitudes; safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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