A systematic literature review on Web3 applications in trucking logistics: Impacts and emerging trends in logistics 5.0

Abstract

Web3 technologies, representing the next generation of a decentralised and user-centric Internet, offer innovative solutions to enhance adaptability, sustainability, and resilience in logistics systems aligned with the principles of Logistics 5.0. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, analysing peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2018 and 2024 and retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. The review specifically focuses on trucking logistics, a sector characterised by high fossil-fuel dependency, operational fragmentation, and significant environmental impact. The findings reveal that Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things technologies dominate current implementations, mainly supporting fleet management, route optimisation, accident prevention, and risk assessment. In contrast, blockchain applications remain limited, and metaverse-based solutions are largely exploratory and confined to training scenarios. Key research gaps include the scarcity of integrated Web3 solutions, the limited consideration of human-centric Logistics 5.0 dimensions, and the lack of large-scale empirical validation in real-world trucking operations. Based on the analysis, this paper proposes a conceptual framework that maps Web3 technologies to trucking logistics areas, investment priorities, and Logistics 5.0 objectives, offering actionable guidance for Logistics Service Providers transitioning from Logistics 4.0 to Logistics 5.0.