Streamlining Urban Delivery Systems for Greater Efficiency and Sustainability - Initial Steps to Implement
Micro hubs, micro depots, or cycle logistics hubs are becoming increasingly popular solutions for delivering goods more efficiently and sustainably. These hubs, which can be temporary or permanent, mobile or stationary, are located closer to consumers, enabling the use of Zero-Emission (ZE) vehicles for delivery or pickup. Creative concepts even include using public transport facilities for logistical operations [1].
The role in making last-mile delivery more efficient and greener is not limited to one party. Each individual, as a customer, government, shipper, logistics company, or retailer, plays a part in this transformation [2]. Local and national governments can contribute substantially to better goods transport and more sustainable deliveries with clear strategies and new forms of cooperation [3].
Cities and governments worldwide can collaborate effectively with logistics companies to implement Low-Emission Delivery Zones (LEZs) and encourage consolidated, green deliveries. This is achieved through pursuing coordinated policies, shared infrastructure investment, and supportive incentives [4].
Key collaborative approaches include embedding LEZs within comprehensive urban sustainability strategies, establishing clear regulatory frameworks, pooling resources and co-designing solutions, encouraging consolidated deliveries via technology and operational strategies, supporting fleet electrification and green vehicles deployment, and integrating reverse logistics and circular supply chain approaches [5].
Rob King, Co-Founder of Zedify, emphasises the importance of focusing on getting the first and last mile right, as it makes the rest of the logistics process more efficient [6]. A UCC (Urban Distribution Centre or Urban Consolidation Centre) allows carriers and 3PLs to drop off goods for delivery via green transport mode, making it an attractive option for national shippers [7].
Cities implementing ZE-zones should consider a transition period, with a possible strategy including a step-by-step expansion of the zone and financial or non-financial incentives for companies [8]. Governments play a crucial role in accelerating and facilitating this transition by implementing regulations [9]. However, some actors in the logistics field feel that governmental policies don't go far enough and call for stricter rules [10].
Zero-emission delivery zones allow only zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles or cargo bikes, to enter while banning other vehicles or making them pay a fee [11]. Companies need to change their delivery methods, shift towards zero-emission vehicles, bundle goods where possible, and increase efficiency [12].
Several cities have already taken action. Shenzen implemented a green delivery zone in 2018, Rotterdam plans to implement a zero-emission freight zone by 2025, and Santa Monica has introduced a voluntary green delivery zone in the city centre [13]. Pick-up stations or parcel lockers also allow consumers to pick up deliveries at a time they choose, reducing unnecessary vehicle kilometers and the number of failed deliveries [14].
Each decision, such as a company transitioning towards a ZE-vehicle fleet, an individual redirecting a parcel to a pick-up station, or a city implementing a green delivery zone, is a step towards a more sustainable last-mile delivery system [15]. Collaboration and joint efforts are necessary to make even bigger steps towards a more sustainable future.
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