by Walther Ploos van Amstel
The transition to zero-emission city logistics is not only about switching from diesel vans to electric ones. It’s also about rethinking the very vehicles we use. A recent study published in Future Transportation (2025) by Lucia Colonna, Edoardo Marcucci, Valerio Gatta, and Antonio Comi takes a deep look at one of the most promising alternatives …
Recent research has underscored the central role of local authorities in shaping sustainable urban logistics. Although European directives have long encouraged greener freight solutions, French planning documents have historically paid limited attention to logistics. A new study, analyzing 121 local authorities, provides fresh insights into how urban logistics is being gradually integrated into local public …
Urban freight is the silent engine of city life. From parcels and groceries to construction materials, logistics keeps urban economies moving. Yet this essential flow of goods also contributes heavily to congestion, noise, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. With urban populations and e-commerce both rising sharply, sustainable solutions for city logistics are more urgent …
On 17 September 2025, ALICE, POLIS, and the European Parking Association (EPA) presented a Joint Statement during the EPA Conference in Brussels. It marks a new milestone in their long-standing collaboration on urban freight, curbside management, and sustainable mobility. Building on a shared journey The three organisations have worked together for years through joint workshops, …
Cities across Europe are under pressure to deliver cleaner, safer, and more efficient urban logistics. With zero-emission zones expanding, e-commerce booming, and construction traffic reshaping streets, the need for reliable data on freight flows has never been greater. The recent recommendations of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) highlight how data sharing can unlock …
Urban logistics is under mounting pressure. Population density is rising, e-commerce is accelerating, and regulatory requirements are tightening. Traditional logistics systems, with their reliance on static planning, are increasingly inadequate. They struggle to adapt to the dynamic realities of urban environments, leading to inefficiencies, congestion, and environmental challenges. A recent paper by Liu, Pan, and …
Sustainable management of urban logistics (UL) is becoming increasingly urgent as cities grapple with rising congestion, worsening air quality, and growing e-commerce demand. Traditional freight management models—largely static and inflexible—struggle to cope with dynamic urban environments. A new study by Galkin, Švadlenka, Vrba, and Kijewska (2025) proposes a Dynamic Freight Management (DFM) framework that uses …
DISCO launched a new e-course. Mastering Evaluation for Sustainable Urban Logistics Solutions: Insights from the DISCO Project is designed to give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to evaluate sustainable urban logistics solutions and connect them to bigger policy goals like Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans (SULPs) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether you’re …
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 …
On my way to work, it suddenly stood out: a bright green boat from Zoevcity with a giant beer tank on the Geldersekade. Could it be? Is Amsterdam getting a Heineken beer boat? The answer is yes. The Historic Amsterdam DistrictsThe bridges and quay walls in the Wallen and Lastage neighborhoods are fragile and are …