This study evaluated the development and validation of an integrated operational model for the Underground Logistics System (ULS) in South Korea’s metropolitan area, aiming to address challenges in urban logistics and freight transportation by highlighting the potential of innovative logistics systems that utilize underground spaces. This study used conceptual modeling to define the core concepts of ULS and explored the system architecture, including cargo handling, transportation, operations and control systems, as well as the roles of cargo crews and train drivers. The ULS operational scenarios were verified through model simulation, incorporating both logical and temporal analyses. The simulation outcomes affirm the model’s logical coherence and precision, emphasizing ULS’s pivotal role in boosting logistics efficiency. Thus, ULS systems in Korea offer prospects for elevating national competitiveness and spurring urban growth, underscoring the merits of ULS in navigating contemporary urban challenges and championing sustainability.

Recent times have seen significant advancements in AI and NLP technologies, poised to revolutionize logistical decision-making across industries. This study investigates integrating ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, into strategic, tactical, and operational logistics. Examining its applicability, benefits, and limitations, the study delves into ChatGPT’s capacity for strategic logistics planning, facilitating nuanced decision-making through natural language interactions. At the tactical level, it explores ChatGPT’s role in optimizing route planning and enhancing real-time decision support. The operational aspect scrutinizes ChatGPT’s capabilities in micro-level logistics and emergency response. Ethical implications, encompassing data security and human-AI trust dynamics, are also analyzed. This report furnishes valuable insights for the logistics sector, emphasizing AI’s potential in reshaping decision-making while underscoring the necessity for foresight, evaluation, and ethical considerations in AI integration. In this publication, it is assumed that ChatGPT is not entirely reliable for decision-making in the logistics field: at the strategic level, it can be effectively used for “brainstorming” in preparing decisions, but at the tactical and operational level, the depth of the knowledge is not sufficient to make appropriate decisions. Therefore, the answers provided by ChatGPT to the defined logistic tasks are compared with real logistic solutions. The article highlights ChatGPT’s effectiveness at different levels of logistics and clarifies its potential and limitations in the logistics field.

The rapid development of cities and urbanization in China has forced the growth of new channels for buying agricultural products. The purpose of this research is to examine how Internet of Things (IoT’s) technologies can digitize a traditional fresh food supply chain. Comparative and descriptive analysis methods are used to highlight the major pain points in the traditional supply chains and assess how digital transformation could help. We delve into every part of digital transformation, which includes establishing an information platform based on IoT and developing smart storage options. Our findings revealed that through end-to-end digital integration, supply chain efficiency is improved with shorter lead times and leaner inventories that yield reduced costs as well as fewer losses while ensuring product quality and traceability. In sum, such an approach would enhance sustainability within the fresh food value chain. As such, our article highlights key aspects of transitioning towards a digital environment in this sector for those planning similar ventures.

The rapid growth of e-commerce in South Africa has increased the demand for efficient last-mile delivery. Motorcycle delivery drivers play a crucial role in the last-mile delivery process to bridge the gap between retailers and consumers. However, these drivers face significant challenges that impact both logistical efficiency and their socio-economic well-being. This study critically analyzes media narratives on the safety and working conditions of motorcycle delivery drivers in the e-commerce sector in South Africa. The thematic analysis of newspaper articles identified recurring themes. This study reveals critical safety and labor vulnerabilities affecting motorcycle delivery drivers in South Africa’s e-commerce sector. Key findings include heightened risks of violence, hijackings, and road accidents, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and safety gear. Coupled with low wages, job insecurity, and limited benefits, these conditions expose drivers to significant precarity. Policy interventions are urgently needed for driver safety and sustainable logistics. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges within this rapidly growing sector.

Rapid urban expansion gives rise to smart cities which pose immense logistical and supply chain challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the holistic system identified by Zhao et al. in 2021. The system encompasses logistics and supply chain integral to the concept of smart cities, with a focus on sustainability. This transformation requires an in-depth study on challenges of a common framework of policies for smart cities in countries comprising the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The study employs an extensive literature analysis for the period 2020–2022. an approach which contextualizes the model. The model identifies the causes, impact, and spillovers of new trends in logistics and supply, including the sustainability of adopted technologies. The study includes the variables involved, and barriers to creating a shared model. The results reveal that the two elements affecting the supply chain and transport in smart cities are Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies supporting specific sectors. The resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises positively impacts the sustainability of large urban centres. The study presents both factors that help and hinder the adoption of environmental, social, and economic sustainability technologies.

Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are inland multi-modal terminals where goods in intermodal loading units can be transferred directly to seaports. The contribution of ICDs to regions’ economic and social growth is undeniable. To achieve the sustainable development of ICDs, evaluating and improving their service quality is critical. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the service quality of ICD in a developing country. The data utilized covers some ICDs in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. Regarding analytic methods, descriptive statistics first were run to show the level of aspects of service quality of ICDs. Subsequently, attitudinal statements were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis before linear regression was applied to recognize the factors influencing the service quality of ICDs. Generally, the service quality of ICDs was evaluated at an acceptable level but far from the high one. The results suggested that the four influential service quality factors included location and accessibility, facilities, process and management, and labor. Based on the findings of contributing factors, managerial implications were proposed.