ULaaDS: a framework for open parcel locker systems

Integrating parcel lockers has become crucial as urban spaces evolve, especially with the booming e-commerce sector. A new ULaaDS publication, developed by Bax & Company, with valuable insights from Gemeente Groningen (NL) and the University of Groningen, addresses the rapid expansion of these services and their impact on urban life and public spaces. Key highlights …

Seattle microhub delivery pilot: lessons learned

Urban freight deliveries using microhubs and cargo kibes have gained attention in cities suffering from congestion and emissions. Cargo bike deliveries for parcels and microhubs used as transshipment points in urban cores can replace trucks to make cities more livable. An Urban Freight Lab study describes and empirically evaluates an e-cargo tricycle pilot delivering parcels …

Deloitte parcel delivery industry outlook: reviving the business model towards profitable growth

The rapidly evolving challenges have left many parcel-carrier incumbents struggling. Even before COVID-19, senders and receivers expected more from parcel delivery: shorter and more predictable delivery windows (from next week to next day, to within two hours), more and more flexible delivery options (pick up in store, parcel lockers, favorite neighbor) and greener deliveries. Deloitte …

Research: costs and benefits of a low emission zone for city logistics

A new paper aims to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of a low-emission zone in the context of urban freight transport. The research combines a literature review, behavioral data, urban freight transport, environmental models, and cost-benefit analysis methodologies. Through this methodological framework, the researchers examine the costs and benefits of implementing a low-emission zone …

The state of the postal sector 2023

The postal sector remains a critical element in the global ecosystem, transcending borders to connect people, businesses, and governments. It not only facilitates communication but also serves as the backbone of digital trade, logistics, and even economic resilience. However, the sector is grappling with many challenges, from the lasting disruptions induced by global crises, such …

Research: on-demand last-mile distribution network design with omnichannel inventory

E-commerce delivery deadlines are getting increasingly tight, driven by a growing ‘I-want-it-now’ instant gratification mindset of consumers and the desire of online and omnichannel retailers to capitalize on the growth of on-demand e-commerce. On-demand deliveries with delivery deadlines as tight as one or two hours force companies to rethink their last-mile distribution network since tight …

UPS pursues greater delivery density to reduce emissions

UPS wants to improve its delivery density, or the number of deliveries made on a single route, to reduce its carbon footprint, according to EVP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer Bala Subramanian at the 2023 UPS Impact Summit on October 17, 2023. UPS is trying to increase its deliveries-per-stop ratio from 1.28 to 1.4, …

Research: shared-fleet operations in healthcare logistics between public organizations

Shared-fleet logistics involves collaboration between two or more companies to combine workloads and vehicle capacity to improve vehicle utilisation and transport efficiency and reduce costs. A recent study considers the potential environmental and economic benefits of implementing a shared-fleet collaboration between two public organizations: a local government authority and a National Health Service (NHS) Trust. …

Review: turning a spotlight on governance for sustainable urban construction logistics

Construction logistics is a large share of the urban freight network and a bottleneck for an efficient construction process. Especially in the urban area, professionalization of its management may reduce negative environmental impacts for stakeholders like construction companies, policymakers, and residents. In a new review paper, a two-step methodological approach was pursued to shed light …