In light of the figures above, it is clear that there is a fundamental need for an innovative LMD response to customers—in particular, the LMD of heavy, bulky, and oversized (HBO) products. Although many studies exist on LMD problems, the focus of most of these studies is on parcel delivery (small-sized package deliveries) and is mostly centered on densely populated urban areas. The LMD of HBO products is the most challenging and the least studied. Interestingly, HBO products yield the most profitable sales [11,12]. The online share in the US furniture and homeware market is 31.1% and is expected to reach 37.2% by 2027 (Statista market insights). The delivery of HBO items increases the costs of storage and transportation, requiring more space and effort to manage. LMD-related costs make up anywhere between 40% and 50% of an organization’s delivery cost. Handling large goods presents various challenges, including a more complex delivery process [13,14,15]. In an attempt to maintain lower costs while accelerating the rate of deliveries, more retailers are planning to automate their fulfillment locations by using micro-fulfillment centers, pop-up distribution centers, dark stores, etc. (BlueYonder). These items are more susceptible to damage during delivery, necessitating extra caution from delivery personnel. Depending on the level of service to be provided, specific attention and different skills are required to process HBO deliveries [16]. The complexity of delivering large goods is compounded by the issue of responsibility. With the heightened risk of damage, determining who is accountable for the product during delivery stages becomes crucial [14]. In these cases, traditional pallet and material handling tools may not even be suitable for packaging [15].

Sundström and Södergrenluo indicated that even though the delivery of bulky items involves larger markets, the number of studies on how LMD innovations should be used for larger items is limited [14]. Luo et al. indicated that producers of HBO products often outsource the order delivery task to 3PLs, while many 3PLs have limited information technology capacity, and often, the transmission of information relies on paper documents [17]. Additionally, route planning relies on manual experience, lacking real-time traceability and visibility during deliveries.

Another major difficulty with logistics and HBO deliveries includes the cost of return and environmental effects [2,18].

In some cases, e.g., the furniture customization process, the delivery is even integrated with the design, and the production process involves measuring the space, furniture design, part and component production, and delivery and installation of the parts onsite [17]. Moreover, the characteristics of some HBO items further exacerbate the difficulties of the delivery process (e.g., irregularly and long-shaped products and various order sizes).

Lee et al. provided a technological disruption and innovation analysis of LMD [19]. One of their emphases in the near term is the opportunities that may arise for how products are delivered, where they are delivered, and what products are delivered. They further mentioned the kind of challenges that could arise, including the continual emergence of innovative technologies and offering sound business models that are economically, environmentally, and socially efficient and sustainable. As a possible solution, the authors emphasized algorithmic and analytic-based approaches. In a recent interview, Phillip Yeager, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Hub Group, also emphasized that “what we do not really have today is the ability to do appliance delivery and installation. That would be an area of interest to us” [20].

Last-mile delivery has already become a major concern, in parallel with the fast-growing online shopping in today’s business environment. The amount of time US Internet users wait for the delivery of their online purchases was only one day for 38% of the respondents in a recent survey [61]. It is safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in online shopping as a result of lockdowns and health concerns. Nevertheless, this change in consumer behavior has resulted in an increase in shipping volumes, placing further pressure on distribution networks.