Parking for loading and unloading in urban areas is minimal, requiring shared use among various users. Despite its importance, delivery drivers’ attitudes and preferences regarding parking in city environments have not been extensively studied. A recent paper addresses this gap by analyzing survey data from delivery drivers in the northeastern United States. Using stated preference data, the study employs mixed logit and hybrid discrete choice models to examine drivers’ parking behavior.
The findings indicate that three factors significantly influence parking space selection: the time spent searching for a spot, the walking distance (access time) to the delivery location, and the hourly parking cost. A latent variable, Safe Behavior, was identified as a moderating factor affecting drivers’ parking decisions differently.
The survey results reveal that drivers’ first preference is to park in any available legal spot, with double parking being the second option. Although drivers aim to avoid restricted zones, they prioritize timely deliveries. Based on the analysis, the study recommends that policymakers and logistics service providers enhance last-mile delivery efficiency and reduce operational costs in urban areas.
The proposed initiatives for the public sector are to develop driver education campaigns with a certification program; provide parking locations for loading and unloading operations closer to areas with high freight attraction; implement an adaptive parking pricing strategy; and promote freight demand management initiatives, such as moving a portion of deliveries to off-peak hours or developing a staggered delivery program. Recommendations for carriers and logistics providers are focused on reducing the cost of operations. Three programs are recommended: create a performance-based incentive program, create a mentoring program, and promote receiver-led consolidation programs.