by Walther Ploos van Amstel
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Dutch “Outlook City Logistics 2035” analyzes future challenges and opportunities for city logistics in the Netherlands, focusing on zero-impact logistics beyond emission-free vehicles. The report examines the impact of city logistics on different types of neighborhoods and the role of municipalities, service providers, and recipients in creating sustainable solutions. Various regulatory instruments for municipalities …
A University of Southampton study found microscopic particles from specific brake pads can be more toxic than diesel exhaust. Researchers linked high copper content in some pads to increased lung toxicity. While vehicle pollution has been mainly associated with exhaust emissions, brake, tire, and road wear now contribute the majority of particulate matter emissions in …
To enhance customer satisfaction, e-retailers have prioritized last-mile e-grocery delivery services that incorporate time windows. However, the sustainability challenges associated with this approach necessitate an evaluation of its impact. A recent article aims to define a method for assessing the sustainability effects of time windows and apply it to a specific case study. Through desk …
Urban streets are contested public spaces due to their limited capacity and the diverse functions they serve. Despite their multifunctionality, the needs of specific users—such as freight and delivery services—have historically been neglected in urban space allocation policies, often at the expense of overall livability. Recently, freight curbside management has emerged as a strategy to …
In recent years, cities worldwide have grappled with last-mile logistics’ impact, particularly its contribution to urban traffic congestion and pollution. These dynamics have had significant environmental consequences, including noise, road safety concerns, and air pollution. As a result, both public and private sectors must adopt innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of last-mile logistics …
Last-mile logistics is a pivotal component of modern supply chains, especially in retail. Despite its importance in ensuring prompt deliveries to end-users, it is often regarded as the most costly and inefficient segment of the logistics process. Beyond financial implications, last-mile logistics also presents significant environmental challenges and contributes to negative social externalities, affecting customer …