Monthly archives: April, 2025

Does living near shops change the way we shop?

When it comes to shopping, you might think that living close to stores would make people less likely to shop online. However, recent research surprisingly suggests otherwise. Based on data from a recent study, we found that proximity to a single store doesn’t significantly affect whether someone chooses to shop online. However, being near a …

On track for sustainable logistics: integrating rail freight into London’s deliveries

Study commissioned by Cross River Partnership (CRP) and Impact on Urban Health explores the potential of using existing station infrastructure in Southwark and Lambeth to support sustainable rail-based freight deliveries into Central London. Building on CRP’s 2022 Rail Freight in London Feasibility Study, it identifies areas needing further evidence, particularly regarding station suitability for freight operations. The study …

Crowdshipping: the future of sustainable parcel delivery?

Imagine picking up a parcel for your neighbor simply because it’s on your way home. It may sound unusual, but the concept of crowd shipping is being seriously explored as a smart and sustainable way to complete the “last mile” of a parcel’s journey. TU Delft researcher Patrick Stokkink is diving into how this new approach to delivery could work in …

Strategic fleet replacement for the electrification of heavy-duty road freight transportation

Electric trucks (ETs) offer a promising pathway for decarbonizing road freight transport, yet their integration into logistics company fleets presents significant challenges. Fleet managers must navigate complex trade-offs between investments in electric trucks (ETs) and conventional diesel trucks (DTs), assess the operational impacts of shifting fleet compositions, and plan strategically for depot charging infrastructure. To …

The key role of motorized two-wheelers in boosting the earnings of on-demand delivery workers

In France, earnings from delivery workers involved in on-demand instant delivery are not well known. Using data from two waves of a survey conducted in Paris with instant delivery workers, this research presents the interactions between types of delivery gigs, operations and vehicles that lead to differences in income earned from delivery. The results show …

What Hamburg can teach about smarter cities: lessons from the MOVE21 Project

How can cities become cleaner, more efficient, and better connected? Hamburg’s MOVE21 project offers some inspiring answers. In collaboration with the Bezirksamt Altona, the project has developed a Best Practice Manual that examines real-world examples of neighborhood hubs—multifunctional spaces that bring together logistics, mobility, and even social services. Whether placed in existing buildings or public …

Classics: Understanding the meaning of collaboration in the supply chain

In 2004, Mark Barratt wrote his classic work “Understanding the meaning of collaboration in the supply chain” on supply chain collaboration. Barratt presents his vision of collaboration and the factors involved in its success. It offers wise lessons that are still held today and collaboration in city logistics. Companies systematically work on improving the efficiency …

Zero-emission commercial vehicles: Tax benefits and incentives in Europe

Most European countries provide varying fiscal support to boost the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and vans. The updated 2025 ACEA report comprehensively examines the tax benefits and incentives for zero-emission vehicle acquisition and charging/hydrogen refilling infrastructure in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Conclusions: Over a third …

Decarbonising parcel deliveries in England: When the national strategy fails to meet local needs and expectations

A new research paper examines the views of 35 local authorities in England on potential solutions for decarbonizing last-mile parcel deliveries, focusing on the perceived challenges and drivers of implementation. Using co-design and participatory methods, the study engaged stakeholders with diverse expertise in a back-casting process to develop actionable strategies for reducing emissions. The proposed …