by Walther Ploos van Amstel
Social media exploded over Amsterdam’s trial with a “klushub.” In the Piet Heingarage, a pilot project called Park + Switch Amsterdam is being launched as a transfer point where entrepreneurs can park their vehicles and switch to electric ones. Online blog GeenStijl commented on the hub: “This pie-in-the-sky idea, dreamed up by desk-jockey bureaucrats, is almost as …
Cities are the new battleground for food retailers. In the following years, traditional food service channels, such as the hotel and catering industry, will face fierce competition from supermarkets, city stores, and micro markets in cities that focus on the needs of the growing number of consumers, workers, students, and visitors. While a 1-3% net profit …
A recent publication by Agatz et al. provides an overview of key characteristics and challenges of last-mile operations (LMO): Final Stage of Supply Networks LMO processes occur at the last stage of supply chains, directly fulfilling individual agent demand. Operations and resources (people, equipment, inventory) are widely dispersed. Diverse geographical areas create specific challenges: Urban …
Last-mile operations (LMO), the processes involved in the critical last stage of delivering goods and services, are widespread across major economic sectors, including retail, food services, healthcare, humanitarian services, energy distribution, telecommunications, public services, and others. These operations account for many of these sectors’ costs, jobs, and economic output. Global economic output involving last-mile deliveries …
The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed urban logistics, raising concerns about congestion, pollution, and the impact of delivery vehicles on city life. Some argue that home deliveries are overwhelming our streets and that pick-up points and cargo bikes are the ultimate solution. However, the reality is far more nuanced. Home delivery myths : One-size-fits-small? from …
We need to do more with fewer resources. However, nearly 90% of our clothing still ends up as waste, less than half of electronic products are recycled, and furniture is discarded as bulky waste. Our old toys gather dust in attics, basements, and garages. That is not a good story. Valuable product flows must get …
Last-mile delivery (LMD) is crucial in modern logistics, impacting operational costs, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. A recent paper reviews optimization techniques in LMD, emphasizing AI-driven decision-making, IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, and hybrid delivery networks. Integrating AI and IoT enhances predictive analytics, dynamic routing, and fleet management, though scalability and regulatory challenges remain significant. Hybrid models incorporating …
The growth of parcel logistics presents challenges for municipalities striving for a livable, sustainable, and safe urban environment. Do parcel lockers contribute to these goals? Municipalities need a concrete action perspective: what role can parcel lockers play? A research project for Dutch Top Sector Logistics provides a neutral framework that offers both strategic and practical …
In collaboration with C Space, FedEx Corporation has released its annual FedEx 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, offering key insights into evolving consumer expectations. As digital marketplaces become more competitive, businesses prioritizing convenience, effortless returns, and personalized engagement will foster customer loyalty and long-term success in the US Market. Convenience and Enhanced Post-Purchase Experience Take Center Stage …
Urban mobility transitions are crucial for mitigating climate change and enhancing urban quality of life. Cargo bikes (CBs) offer a sustainable alternative to motorized vehicles thanks to their lower carbon footprint, space efficiency, and ability to reduce air and noise pollution. Cargo bike sharing (CB-sharing) promotes adoption by eliminating purchase and maintenance costs, though individuals …