Blockchain Technology for Parcel Delivery Systems.

Abstract. With the incredible growth of internet shopping over the last years, the delivery sector has gained increasing importance between existing economies, and the same has happened with the pressure, exigencies and expectations from consumers towards home delivery schemes. It is mainly because of this that it is important to pursuit the development of a delivery system that is consistent with this continuous rise of online commerce, while at the same time avoiding the possible negative effects caused by freight transports. It is under this context that the blockchain technology is to be analyzed. Being widely examined and implemented in the finance field, this technology shows great potential for its exploitation within different areas, including logistics. This dissertation attempts to provide with a general notion of the blockchain’s characteristics, its capability and possible applications in the logistics field, particularly into parcel delivery systems. After an information gathering, and properly introducing the principal subjects of interest, this paper makes use of a case study and application case scenario so as to recognize and explore existing projects and research on the matter, as well as to set the ground for further investigation and developments. Final analysis includes the impact of the technology’s implementation upon the actors inside a delivery system, its complexity and compatibility regarding current practices, and how the main problematics concerning delivery services are addressed by employing a blockchain-based alternative. Key terms: Blockchain Technology; Parcel Delivery; Urban Logistics; Smart Contracts; Supply Chain; Freight Transportation.