27 May 2026
Bilbao
Erick Rodríguez Esparza has received the Ignacio Ellacuría Special Award for the best doctoral thesis of 2024–25 for his work entitled “Novel Optimisation Methods and Model for Improving Sustainability and Efficiency in Last-Mile Logistics”. The decision was taken by a panel chaired by Cristina de la Cruz and composed of experts Javier García Zubía, Laura Gómez, Cristina Iturrioz and Eider Landaberea.
The thesis, which carries international distinction, was co-supervised by Antonio D. Masegosa and Enrique Onieva, and defended on 13 September 2024 within the PhD Programme in Engineering for the Information Society and Sustainable Development. This paper examines the optimisation of last-mile logistics (LML) in urban environments, a challenge exacerbated by the rapid growth of e-commerce and the transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A critical impact on the economy and society
The research highlights that LML is the most expensive and resource-intensive segment, accounting for between 28% and 41% of the total delivery cost. Furthermore, factors such as failed deliveries, low success rates in certain areas and consumers’ environmental concerns further exacerbate these costs. ikewise, the increase in delivery vehicles creates significant additional challenges, such as urban congestion, which places pressure on infrastructure and jeopardises the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The growing number of vehicles also has an impact on urban sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that mitigate their social impact.
Technical innovation: Three strategic pillars
To address these challenges, Erick Rodríguez Esparza’s thesis proposes and develops advanced optimisation methods based on three strategic policies that are already showing positive results: the electrification of vehicle fleets, demand aggregation infrastructure and improvements in traffic management. These policies address different aspects of last-mile logistics optimisation. However, each presents specific challenges, which require the development of new tools and technologies to support logistics service providers (LSPs), public authorities, and infrastructure managers. This thesis aims to contribute to the development of advanced optimisation methods and models that improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in last-mile logistics.
