Optimizing the Final Mile

This book delves into the future of last-mile delivery logistics by examining how advanced technologies and human-centric innovations are revolutionizing the final stage of supply chains. It explores the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart infrastructure to solve key challenges like delivery delays, cost inefficiencies, and environmental impacts. With a multidisciplinary perspective, the work blends technical frameworks, behavioural economics, and real-world applications to offer insights into optimizing delivery systems. The book emphasizes the role of predictive algorithms, Q-learning, and dynamic dispatching in reshaping courier assignments in real time while also addressing workforce dynamics in the gig economy and urban resilience during disruptions. Additionally, it investigates consumer decision-making patterns, social inclusivity, and the digital divide in accessing delivery services. By incorporating case studies, simulation models, and AI-driven optimization techniques, the book provides a comprehensive roadmap for businesses, policymakers, and technologists to design smart, scalable, and sustainable strategies.