Delivery Deserts: Mapping, Understanding, and Overcoming Service Challenges

Abstract: Package delivery services play an integral part in our economy and society. They are the backbone of e-commerce, connecting businesses with consumers across large distances. Moreover, they facilitate access to essential goods such as groceries and medicines, especially for vulnerable populations who may have difficulty traveling long distances or leaving their homes. This research aims to address inequities in delivery services that create “delivery deserts”—regions where accessibility and efficiency of delivery services are severely limited or non-existent. These inequities impact national economic growth by limiting business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs and increasing costs for rural consumers. They also underscore broader societal disparities between urban and rural communities. Our project employs a detailed, two-phase approach to tackle delivery deserts in America: 1) identifying and understanding the problem by quantifying and mapping these deserts and 2) identifying the specific barriers to equitable delivery access. By identifying these poorly serviced areas, we not only shed light on existing societal disparities but also pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future. This information can guide delivery service providers and policymakers about strategic planning opportunities, thereby fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for individuals residing in these delivery desert zones.