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 …

Dutch transportation platform Quicargo looks to bounce back from bankruptcy

After eight years, Quicargo, a Dutch transportation platform, is temporarily halting its operations. During the last week, a bankruptcy was initiated, prompted by an unforeseen setback in investor commitments. This measure is being taken to facilitate discussions with partners and explore potential solutions for the company’s financial challenges and future business development. In recent months, …

Finding the correct apartment is a problem for delivery drivers

Locating the correct apartment or building swiftly poses a significant challenge for delivery services and gig couriers, becoming one of their primary concerns. The Wall Street Journal has reported on this issue, shedding light on various observations. In some urban regions, a significant portion of drivers’ time is dedicated to tasks outside their vehicles, such …

ITF: how governments can bring low-emission trucks to our roads

Nearly three-quarters of CO2 emissions from freight transport stem from heavy diesel trucks, presenting a significant challenge in transitioning to sustainable fuels for this vehicle category. A recent report by ITF examines emerging technologies that can potentially reduce emissions from road freight. The report outlines a strategic approach for governments to identify and support technologies deserving …

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 …

Amazon: on operating more sustainably for customers and communities

Kara Hurst, chief sustainability officer at Amazon, talks to McKinsey about scaling Amazon’s sustainability initiatives, including increasing its focus on nature-based solutions to benefit communities. How is Amazon working on reaching its Climate Pledge goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040? While the scope of this challenge is large, Amazon has been taking bold steps …

How can e-groceries be made a profitable business model?

Once more, Dutch online food delivery companies, namely Crisp, Jumbo, Getir, and Picnic, are grappling with substantial financial setbacks, further compounded by the recent closure of Dutch Pieter Pot. These financial challenges extend beyond mere teething problems associated with growth. In addition, the escalating minimum wages and the augmented expenses related to light electric vehicles …