by Walther Ploos van Amstel
The gig economy and digital platforms have developed exponentially over the past few years. In large cities, instant on-demand meal delivery has gained tremendous momentum. Self-employed workers mainly take on this activity; consequently, they provide their own equipment and vehicle, whether their own or a rented vehicle. The aim of a paper by Camille Krier …
Changing consumer behavior in Europe is accelerating e-commerce and the demand for city logistics. The kilometers driven by delivery vans increased by 111% between 2016 and 2020 in the Netherlands. While the growth of the city logistics sector enables a wide availability of on-demand delivery services for residents, businesses, and organizations, the sector also contributes …
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are widely regarded as an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions and decarbonize the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector. However, the speed at which the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) will happen and for which vehicle segments is still uncertain. …
Last-mile delivery success depends on consumer acceptance of such services, yet little is known about the unattended delivery experience. To address the challenges in last-mile deliveries, retailers have pushed to develop innovative delivery solutions. In particular, the emerging service of unattended home delivery offers the potential to enhance consumers’ delivery experience, as they can receive …
The road freight sector is increasingly accountable for its environmental impact, and stakeholders are responsible for the growing demand for zero-emission trucking. Although fleets are beginning to transition to zero-emission vehicles, logistics operators still perceive several barriers that need to be overcome to engage the transition of their fleets fully. A new ICCT report, published …
Over the next three years, VUB Mobilise and bpost will join forces toward a zero-carbon energy future. This project aims to support bpost in the shift towards zero-emission parcel deliveries in Brussels. For bpost, this project represents an essential part of knowledge on sustainable last-mile solutions via multi-actor analysis and assessment expertise which will contribute …
Unborn babies have air pollution particles in their developing lungs and other vital organs as early as the first trimester, new research has revealed. Scientists at the University of Aberdeen, UK, and Hasselt University, Belgium, studied air pollution nanoparticles, called black carbon – or soot particles – to see whether these can reach the foetus. …
Land-use planning and policymaking are central to how communities manage their economic activity and the social and environmental impacts these activities produce. Because of this central role, enhancing land-use practices better to incorporate the needs and impacts of freight activity has a strong potential to improve the efficiency of their associated supply chains. A research …
A research paper by Karolina Isaksson and Jens Alm aims to deepen the insights into specific policy and planning prerequisites that affect how bicycle logistics services can be initiated and established in urban environments. Empirical data consist of policy documents and qualitative interviews with bicycle logistics entrepreneurs and local policy actors from four Swedish municipalities, which …
Do autonomous delivery robots deliver? Road autonomous mobile robots have attracted the attention of delivery companies and policy makers owing to their potential to reduce costs and increase urban freight efficiency. Established delivery companies and new startups are investing in technologies that reduce delivery times, increase delivery drivers’ productivity, or both. In this context, adopting …