Last-mile logistics of perishable products: a review of effectiveness and efficiency measures used in empirical research

Purpose Current online business development redistributes last-mile logistics (LML) from consumer to retailer and producer. This paper identifies how empirical LML research has used defined logistic performance measures for key grocery industry actors. Using a multi-actor perspective on performance, the authors discuss coordination issues important optimising at system level. Design/methodology/approach A semi-systematic literature review of 85 publications was conducted analyse measurements effectiveness efficiency, which Findings Few studies exist examining between actors or Most focus retailers and/or consumers, not producers. Key goals resource utilisations lack research, including all system-level coordination. Research limitations/implications implies risk sub-optimisation. Through expanding efficiency interplay level introducing new perspectives, highlights need revaluate single-actor, single-measurement studies. Practical implications No established scientific guidelines solving optimisation in industry. For managers, it is thoroughly consider execution, collaboration among actors, avoiding sub-optimisations sustainability. Originality/value The study contributes current knowledge by reviewing sector, showing previous disregards importance multiple effectiveness.