Optimization in Routing and Vehicle Selection for E-commerce Last Mile Logistics: Bibliometric Analysis

Background: The study investigates the emerging concept of Last Mile Logistics (LML), focusing on optimization routing for e-commerce deliveries. This research addresses the growing demand for efficient delivery systems driven by the rise of online shopping and technological advancements.Objective: This article aims to analyse existing literature, identify trends and highlight gaps in LML research.Methods: A systematic approach was used for the selection of studies and then bibliometric analysis was used to map and evaluate relevant studies. The Scopus citation database was used to gather peer-reviewed articles from 1999 to 2023. R-Studio and VOS Viewer were employed for data analysis and visualization. The initial search yielded 3,898 articles, which were filtered down to 1,606 articles. Key findings include the identification of the most productive journals, top-cited articles and influential keywords in LML research.Results: The study significantly emphasizes variables such as distance, costs, energy consumption and delivery time in logistics optimization. E-commerce emerged as a predominant topic, with substantial discussions on technology and transportation within LML. The research underscores the critical role of LML in the success of e-commerce.Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for ongoing innovation and optimization in delivery logistics to enhance efficiency and meet consumer demands. Future research should address the gaps identified, particularly in the context of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and drones, to further improve last mile delivery systems.