Exploring the Attitudes of Couriers in Crowdsourced Delivery Systems: A Study on Operational Challenges and Platform Dynamics

Crowdsourced delivery, a pivotal component of crowd logistics, represents a transformative model for optimizing logistics resources through the efficient allocation of available capacities, thus responding to the flexibility demands of contemporary businesses.At the heart of this model are digital platforms that facilitate the coordination of activities between couriers, users, and service providers.In Serbia, several prominent platforms stand out due to their advanced functionalities, extensive product offerings, and rapid delivery capabilities.Simultaneously, smaller platforms face significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness within an increasingly saturated market.Despite the numerous advantages offered by the crowdsourcing model, couriers engaged in this sector encounter a variety of obstacles that undermine its full potential.These challenges encompass issues related to working conditions, contractual arrangements, and the stability and security of courier incomes, all of which are essential to the sustainability of the system.A survey was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the couriers' perspectives on the operational dynamics of crowdsourced delivery.The study aimed to gather empirical data on the daily challenges faced by couriers, their working conditions, job satisfaction, and relationships with platform companies.Additionally, insights were sought into the overall functioning of crowd logistics systems from the perspective of the couriers, with a particular focus on identifying areas where improvements could be made to enhance the working conditions and status of couriers.The findings are expected to inform strategies that could mitigate the current challenges, thereby contributing to a more equitable and efficient model of crowdsourced delivery.This research highlights the importance of addressing the couriers' concerns as a critical step toward the optimization of crowdsourcing logistics systems and the enhancement of their long-term viability.