Exploring the use of mobile warehouses in midsized urban and rural regions for last-mile transportation

Abstract: Abstract: Efficient last-mile transportation is a continuous difficulty for businesses, particularly in e-commerce, necessitating the development of creative solutions. This thesis investigates the use of mobile warehouses in mid-sized urban and rural areas to help with this problem. The study begins by emphasizing the importance offlawless delivery as well as the role of warehouses in supply chains. Mobile warehouses emerge as a possible solution, addressing constraints related to these regions' low population density, purchasing power, and market dynamics. The methodology includes a review of the literature on mobile warehouse solutions and the introduction of a generalized cost function model for estimating last-mile logistics costs. The model, which is adaptable to different vehicle types, is applied to Dalarna County in Sweden, considering delivery routes and stops. The findings spotlight the efficacy of mobile warehouses, notably mobile trucks, for last-mile delivery in Dalarna County. Interpretation of results from simulation scenarios emphasizes the importance of route optimization. While the study acknowledges its limitations, it underscores the potential benefits of adopting mobile warehouses, both in practical and theoretical terms. These findings resonate as valuable insights for businesses and the logistics industry, especially in the dynamic landscape of e-commerce. The study illuminates the way forward, emphasizing the critical role of adaptive, geography-specific solutions, such as mobile warehouses, in enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency.