by Walther Ploos van Amstel
The energy transition is a physical transformation in its early stages. Optimized over centuries, today’s energy system has many advantages; however, the production and consumption of energy account for more than 85 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. What challenges lie ahead? McKinsey presents an in-depth analysis of challenges. McKinsey looks at mobility, buildings, …
Freight transport using light commercial vehicles in Switzerland is increasing at a faster rate than overall freight transport. A 2023 study examined the role of various types of light vehicles in commercial traffic, identified and evaluated operational patterns across freight and service transport segments, highlighted key areas of conflict, and assessed potential future developments and …
I attended a global conference on urban freight last week, organized by Metrans in Los Angeles – a mega-city known for its extensive asphalt and notorious traffic jams. The conference featured inspiring insights on zero-emission vehicles, paying for loading and unloading in the city, digital twins, cargo bikes, space for logistics in urban areas, smart …
Logistics is a vital yet energy-intensive sector and policies for sustainable logistics require cooperation between public authorities and businesses. However, public authorities and companies may have different perceptions of what sustainable logistics entails. Research on logistics has typically focused either on strategies in private firms or on investigating public sector plans and goals. A recent …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …