Containerization will play an important role in success of cargo bikes. This research paper by Tom Assmann and Fabian Behrendt presents a quantitative model to determine economically viable container heights for three-wheeled rear loading cargo bikes in crossdocking and intermodal truck-based last mile distribution schemes.
The problem is formulated as a trade-off between fully using the available volume of either the truck or the cargo bike. The results suggest that a container height fitted to cargo bikes is the better option in most cases from a transportation costs perspective.
Determining optimal container heights for cargobike crossdocking schemes in urban areas. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317617634_Determining_optimal_container_heights_for_cargobike_crossdocking_schemes_in_urban_areas
Also check out this paper from June 2017
Determining optimal container heights for cargobike crossdocking schemes in urban areas on Researchgate.
Picture: DHL Netherlands