Comparative Analysis of Stated Preference Data for Identifying Driving Behaviour Patterns of Last-Mile Delivery Professionals

Gruden, Chiara; Koukounaris, Athanasios I.; Michelaraki, Eva; Nikolaou, Dimitrios · 2024 · mdpi

DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures10120342

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Summary

This study investigates the decision-making patterns of last-mile delivery professionals to identify training needs and safety interventions, motivated by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and the associated rise in road safety risks for vulnerable road users. The research specifically aims to analyze how driving behavior, delivery time, and salary structures influence the choices of delivery riders across five European countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia. By understanding these behavioral trade-offs, the study seeks to inform the development of targeted vocational training programs that balance operational efficiency with safety compliance. The methodology involved a stated preference (SP) survey administered online between January and May 2024 to 333 professional riders aged 18–65. The survey consisted of six sections, with the core analysis relying on a stated choice questionnaire where participants selected between two hypothetical delivery scenarios. Each scenario varied across three attributes: driving behavior (legal vs. illegal), trip duration (5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes), and salary type (flat vs. performance-based). To manage cognitive load, an efficient experimental design was used to select five specific scenarios from the full factorial combination. The data were analyzed using a Random Parameter Logit (RPL) model, also known as a Mixed Logit model, which allows for unobserved heterogeneity in preferences across individuals. This approach was chosen to capture the complex behavioral differences among riders regarding safety attitudes, time pressure, and remuneration. The results indicated that driving behavior, trip duration, and salary type significantly affected respondents’ preferences. Participants demonstrated a strong preference for flat salaries over performance-based pay, highlighting a desire for income stability. Driving behavior was a crucial factor, with respondents favoring legal and safe practices over illegal maneuvers such as speeding or running red lights. While shorter delivery times were generally preferred, the data revealed a tolerance for longer durations in certain scenarios, likely reflecting a willingness to trade time for safer routes or reduced stress. Comparative analyses also uncovered regional differences in vehicle usage, work patterns, and safety perceptions among the five countries. The significance of this work lies in its contribution to the development of tailored training programs for last-mile delivery professionals. The findings suggest that effective interventions should focus on safety compliance, route optimization, and time management, while also advocating for hybrid salary structures that balance stability with productivity. The study underscores the need for harmonized training interventions across Europe to address regional disparities in road safety practices. By providing a framework for understanding how delivery professionals make decisions under operational pressure, the research supports the creation of evidence-based policies that enhance both the safety and efficiency of urban logistics operations.

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