In city logistics, delivery vehicles may get all the attention, but it’s what happens after the driver parks that truly defines last-mile success. A new empirical study in Seattle (USA) reveals the hidden but vital role of walking in delivery operations. It turns out that drivers spend most of their time outside the vehicle, navigating the “last 50 feet” to reach customers—yet this component is often overlooked in planning and routing algorithms.
Researchers analyzed over 1,800 real-world deliveries in Seattle from a parcel carrier and a beverage distributor, capturing not just driving routes, but also the walking sub-routes of drivers. The findings are eye-opening: walking significantly shapes overall delivery efficiency. Drivers often choose to park further away if it allows them to consolidate multiple deliveries, demonstrating smart trade-offs between walking time and driving distance.
The study reveals that a greater willingness to walk leads to fewer stops and lower total vehicle miles traveled, resulting in more efficient and sustainable routes. Parcel deliveries, especially those with multiple packages, benefit from economies of scale, as they are often delivered per stop.
These insights challenge the conventional, vehicle-centric approach to route planning. By factoring walking into scheduling models, logistics operators can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and increase productivity, especially in densely populated urban areas.
The research found that when drivers walk short distances—about one city block—they reduce vehicle miles traveled and complete their routes more quickly. However, excessive walking without proper infrastructure can slow them down and lead to problems such as double parking or the need for more delivery vans in the same area.
To support efficient deliveries, cities can designate specific loading zones (Commercial Vehicle Load Zones, or CVLZs). These help drivers find parking more easily and reduce traffic issues. But providing too many CVLZs might backfire, encouraging drivers to stop more often, drive more, and walk less. The sweet spot is a balance: allowing drivers to park once, walk a short distance, and make multiple deliveries from that single stop.
Notably, infrastructure should support walking—think wide sidewalks, ramps, and clear signage. Additionally, different types of deliveries require different setups: parcel carriers benefit from more frequent, smaller zones, while beverage carriers need fewer but larger and more well-enforced ones.
In short, walking isn’t a problem—it’s part of the solution. Smart urban freight policy should embrace it. As cities grow and space becomes tighter, the humble act of walking is proving to be a powerful lever for smarter, cleaner logistics. It’s time to step up and walk the talk in last-mile delivery planning.
Also read: Research: last-mile delivery problem in London using a combination of walking and driving