Integrated Impact Simulation of Parcel-Delivery with Rail, Zero-Emission Vehicles and Cargo Bikes

Abstract

Rising carbon emissions, noise, air pollutants and cost pressures in the parcel-delivery segment are a growing concern. To counteract, green parcel-delivery interventions are developed and tested in a resource-efficient environment. This study advances the previously developed integrated simulation approach by applying it to new interventions: intermodal transport with zero-emission vehicles, mixed light rail transportation and cargo bikes based on standardized containers and a digital logistics platform. In addition, we integrate a feasibility and profitability study. We show that combining the interventions lead to reductions in noise, fuel consumption, emissions and air pollutants, with only minor increases in investment costs. We contribute to the literature by advancing an integrated simulation design that supports data-driven, strategic decision-making, allows for multi-objective optimization and can be applied in different settings. We support private and public ecosystem players, including logistics providers and retailers, by proposing a flexible framework to enable scenario-based investment decisions.

Keywords: Macroscopic traffic simulation, green logistics, shift model, last-mile delivery, emission reduction