Quantifying the environmental benefits of collection/delivery points

Using a node-based routing and scheduling package, this paper estimates the environmental impacts of using a local railway station as a collection/delivery point (CDP) for small parcel transactions. This delivery option was compared with a typical existing situation where some customers who suffer a failed home delivery attempt decide to travel to the carrier's depot to collect their goods. The modelled results suggested that, at a 20 per cent take-up level, the CDP method would reduce the carbon monoxide emissions associated with the deliveries by around 20 per cent and other emissions (nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons) by between 13 per cent and 15 per cent, with higher savings at higher take-up levels. The customer mileage attributable to the collection was modelled to reduce by up to 33 per cent. Modest travel savings were also found for the carrier.