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Investigating Rural Logistics and Transportation through the Lens of Quadruple Bottom Line Sustainability

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  • Derya Parmaksız

    (Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
    CRSSCA—The Centre for Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Analytics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • M. Ali Ülkü

    (Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
    CRSSCA—The Centre for Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Analytics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Heidi Weigand

    (Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
    CRSSCA—The Centre for Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Analytics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

Abstract

Background: An alternative to unsustainable urban developments, rural living is on the rise, but it already has its challenges. To that end, rural logistics and transportation (RLT) calls for a comprehensive analysis of its context, especially in a climate-changed and socially turbulent world. Unlike urban logistics, there is limited focus on RLT in academic literature. However, rural areas’ lack of transportation and limited logistics operations negatively affect rural residents’ daily lives, especially socially disadvantaged groups such as older people, children, women, and low-income households. Methods: This study first identifies the key literature on RLT and sustainability using a systematic literature review. Then, it synthesizes from the extant literature the challenges in RLT and proposed solutions to understand how to improve accessibility and address some barriers to implementation, all through the perspective of quadruple bottom line (QBL) sustainability pillars. Results: The lack of opportunities presented to rural residents due to limited RLT leads to inequality between rural and urban populations, requiring academic attention. Moreover, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in academic literature, there is a noticeable lack of attention to sustainability in RLT. Conclusions: This study leads policymakers toward a better understanding of rural communities’ complexities, directs practitioners to adopt the QBL perspective in decision-making, and aims to stipulate innovative RLT topics for further research for academicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Derya Parmaksız & M. Ali Ülkü & Heidi Weigand, 2024. "Investigating Rural Logistics and Transportation through the Lens of Quadruple Bottom Line Sustainability," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:3:p:81-:d:1456657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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