COVID-19 Impacts on Last-Mile Logistics: Catalyst for Change or Enhancer of Current Trends?

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in research devoted to solving the negative externalities of last-mile goods transportation, most importantly the low efficiency and the pollution levels. These impacts have become clearer than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, where most stores remained forcefully closed and customers resorted to e-commerce purchases, highlighting the relevance of last-mile logistics.  

Moreover, the unfortunate event of the pandemic has acted as an enhancer of several trends already in motion. Among these trends, we can count i) the surge in B2C e-commerce, ii) the relevance of proximity warehouses, iii) the necessity of including logistics in planning policies (e.g., by optimizing loading/unloading areas), iv) the rise in innovative last-mile delivery services and increased awareness of last-mile customers in terms of expectations and sustainability issues. 

The purpose of this Special Issue is to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the last-mile logistics sector, and whether it leads to significant and long-term changes in the last-mile sector or accelerates already existing trends. We welcome submissions that focus on:

• New business and operational models linked to innovative delivery services;
• Changes in customers’ e-commerce purchasing trends and urban mobility patterns;
• Planning of last-mile activities, including warehousing and transportation;
• Optimization of last-mile activities through consolidation or better flow management;
• Impact on last-mile workers.

Dr. Giovanni Zenezini
Prof. Dr. Giulio Mangano
Dr. Alexandra Lagorio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• last-mile logistics
• city logistics
• COVID-19
• e-commerce
• urban freight