DELPHI, FeDerated nEtwork of pLatforms for Passenger and freigHt Intermodality

The DELPHI project aims to tackle key challenges in last-mile delivery and urban logistics—such as high costs, environmental impacts, data fragmentation, and stakeholder misalignment—by integrating passenger and freight transport through a cross-modal, multilevel governance model. Central to the project is the development of a Federated Network of Freight and Passenger Platforms designed to improve data …

Slow growth for electric vehicles in logistics in 2025

The first quarter of 2025 proved challenging for the EU’s commercial vehicle market, marked by significant declines in key markets. Sluggish economic growth, lower prior order intake, and the complex regulatory landscape contributed to the business uncertainty. Vans Diesel was the preferred choice for new van buyers in the European Union (EU) in Q1 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 …