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

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.