Category «Research»

The retailer’s perspective on the potential for using urban consolidation centers (UCCs)

A new paper examines the role of supportive policies and value-added services that may incentivize retailers to use an urban consolidation center (UCC). The methodology is a case study of Edinburgh, Scotland, based on semi-structured interviews with 30 retailers. Results show that retailers are generally not positive towards using UCCs, and the services that they …

Smart loading zones: a data analytics approach for loading zones network design

Urban public space commonly accommodates freight delivery operations through on-street (un)loading zones (LZ). Given the scarcity of public space and its demand by various users, city authorities face the challenge of effectively managing LZ by understanding freight curbside needs and utilization. Despite the popularity of technological solutions and enforcement practices among policymakers to capture curbside …

Decision support for improved construction traffic management and planning

Cities continually face the challenge of urban densification, necessitating ongoing construction, renovation, and demolition projects. These activities lead to a substantial influx of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) into urban areas, yet the specific effects of construction transportation on the urban traffic network remain largely unexplored. This research delves into the spatiotemporal network impacts of construction …

Geopost e-shopper barometer 2023 presents trends in e-fulfillment

In 2023, European online shoppers are returning to fundamental criteria when making purchases, as indicated by the Geopost e-shopper barometer. Key factors influencing their choices include price, clarity of product features, ease of purchase and return, punctuality, and delivery flexibility. These findings underline the continued success of out-of-home delivery and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms, aligning with observed …

PULSe: urban logistics solutions based on Eco-friendly vehicles in Rome

The new PULSe project investigates, analyses, and evaluates to validate the technical-regulatory-operational-behavioral requirements and environmental-economic-social impacts of two public-private, innovative urban logistics solutions in the metropolitan area of Rome. The solutions investigated will be:1. Shared charging/refill stations hub for electric and hydrogen freight vehicles,2. Service trips and reverse logistics with eco-friendly vehicles. In particular, the …

Research: designing zero-emissions containerized last-mile delivery systems

New research investigates the benefits of using swap containers in Two-Echelon (2E) urban delivery systems, which extend beyond the reduced handling costs and processing time in van-bike delivery systems. By drawing on the success of standardized freight containers in the international shipping industry, swap containers can substitute low-capacity vehicles in the first delivery echelon with …

A planning tool for improving the provision of loading docks

For freight and service vehicles entering a city, parking plays a crucial role in providing access to serve customers. This typically occurs on the street in designated parking spaces or in modern buildings in off-street facilities. Given the evolving priorities in urban planning and the consequent reduction in on-street loading zone availability, this paper delves …

Artificial intelligence will transform the logistics of consumer deliveries

Artificial intelligence will transform the logistics of consumer deliveries. AI promises to transform last-mile deliveries with some new technologies and improvements to old ones. The Wall Street Journal reports about it. Promising innovations are: Putting smarter drones in the air Sending robots to your door Predicting parking spaces Making the drivers safer Optimizing routes in …

Consumers’ marketing channel choice and the impact on logistics and operations

The emergence of digitalization has led to the creation of various marketing channels. Consumers now have numerous options for shopping in the fresh food and grocery retail sector. Analyzing their behavior is crucial for retailers. A recent paper offers a cutting-edge review of existing studies on consumers’ channel choices when purchasing groceries. The research A …

Carrier-provided freight data for improved sustainable urban mobility planning

Urban freight transport is expected to increase in volume and share of motorized traffic in cities. Simultaneously, stakeholders responsible for urban development lack access to detailed data on urban freight transport. Private freight actors, i.e., carriers, collect data as part of their operations, which could potentially meet the data needs within public planning. A recent …