by Walther Ploos van Amstel
When discussing urban logistics, the focus often lies on parcel deliveries to consumers—a trend that the rise of e-commerce has amplified. Yet, cities are also home to industrial zones with manufacturers and producers who have very different logistics needs. These areas depend on the timely delivery of bulky, perishable, or production-critical goods. Despite their importance, …
In city logistics, delivery vehicles may get all the attention, but it’s what happens after the driver parks that truly defines last-mile success. A new empirical study in Seattle (USA) reveals the hidden but vital role of walking in delivery operations. It turns out that drivers spend most of their time outside the vehicle, navigating …
A recent study in Norway sheds light on the evolving role of urban authorities in freight governance, particularly in smaller cities. While local governments have a presence in freight-related decision-making, many perceive their influence as limited—either by narrow institutional mandates or by a reluctance to regulate freight activities more assertively. This uncertainty often leads to …
A recent academic study offers practical guidance for local authorities in smaller cities, helping them better understand and manage freight consolidation within their urban areas. Rather than prescribing specific regulatory measures—which are often subject to political change—the study introduces a structured framework that supports evidence-based policy development to improve urban livability. The approach is grounded …
Last week, I attended the CityFreight Workshop in Bergen, Norway, “Sustainability in Urban Logistics – What Are Key Challenges & Future Research Agendas?” The event was excellently organized by the Center for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET) at the University of Bergen and the Center for Shipping and Logistics at the NHH Norwegian School of …
Aligning parking policy with real-world driver behavior—through flexible sessions, smarter pricing, and optional reservations—can significantly improve curbside efficiency and reduce delivery friction. Urban planners and transport policymakers should consider these insights when modernizing curbside management to support sustainable and efficient last-mile delivery. Urban logistics professionals know all too well the challenges of finding parking for …
In Norway, sustainable logistics is shaped by two different and often conflicting narratives—those of public authorities and businesses. While both reference sustainability, they focus on various aspects of it. Public narratives show awareness of the three “grand narratives” of sustainable logistics: decarbonization, collective logistics, and the low-mobility society. However, public authorities mostly adopt a passive …
Transport is becoming more complex daily, from electrification and an aging workforce to stricter regulations and rising customer expectations. Companies that want to stay ahead must gain better control over their people and fleet. Most of the Time is Spent In the City Even though drivers might cover 80% of their distance on highways, they …
Land scarcity near major Dutch cities is becoming a serious challenge for governments, developers, and occupiers—especially for businesses involved in last-mile logistics and local services. These “caring businesses” are essential for maintaining urban life, yet they’re increasingly pushed out by housing development and the repurposing of commercial areas. As urban populations grow and land becomes …
The strategic design of city logistics networks is fundamental to enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Key dimensions of this strategic design include network structure, mode selection, fleet composition, governance, service design, regulatory adaptation, and digital infrastructure. The network is determined by balancing high service standards, economic efficiency, optimized network configuration, and market responsiveness. Network Structure …