Ride-sourcing platforms thrive on socio-economic inequality

Limited market share data suggests that ride-sourcing platforms may thrive in environments characterized by socio-economic inequality. This phenomenon is likely due to the availability of cheap labor and a higher proportion of travelers willing to pay above-average prices for time savings and comfort. To investigate this relationship, TU Delft researchers utilized an agent-based simulation model …

WAlking and PArking Dynamics of Drivers: analysis and model development for sustainable urban delivery

A new project addresses the critical but often overlooked aspects of delivery drivers’ walking and parking behaviors in urban logistics: WAlking and PArking Dynamics of Drivers (WAPADD). With 80% of a delivery driver’s time spent outside the vehicle during the last leg of delivery, comprehending these dynamics becomes pivotal for sustainable urban delivery routes. The …

The state of sustainable urban last-mile freight planning in US cities

In the US, the transportation sector is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Cities nationwide are responding to this challenge by devising climate action and sustainability plans to mitigate transportation-related carbon footprints. However, amidst this effort, the burgeoning last-mile delivery sector, a vital component of urban transport, remains largely overlooked regarding emissions reduction strategies. …

The physical Internet: a sustainable last-mile delivery model

City logistics is slowly growing, and vehicle emissions have increased as well. For example, in 2019, 40% of the transport sector’s CO2 emissions were caused by freight transport. Another negative aspect has been the increasing costs for logistics companies due to the high number of deliveries in e-commerce. Looking specifically at parcel deliveries, the high …

Consumer demand for ‘Real-Time Retail’ shakes carrier market share

Pitney Bowes Inc., a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services, released its annual U.S. Parcel Shipping Index. The index revealed significant shifts in the carrier competitive landscape and consumer behaviors in 2023. Of the four largest carriers (USPS, Amazon Logistics, UPS, and FedEx), only Amazon Logistics grew volumes year …

Green crowd-shipping: critical factors from a business perspective

Crowd-shipping implies involving nonprofessional operators in transporting goods. While its financial benefits are easy to grasp, its environmental implications depend on the transportation mode used and whether trips are dedicated or non-dedicated. One approach to making crowd-shipping services more environmentally friendly involves utilizing public transportation, which is less polluting, as the primary mode of transportation, …

ONOMOTION cooperates with Mercedes-Benz Vans for efficient solutions along the last mile

ONOMOTION, a Berlin-based company that specializes in electric cargo bikes, and Mercedes-Benz Vans are revolutionizing last-mile logistics efficiency by integrating cargo bikes with eSprinter. Collaboratively, ONOMOTION and Mercedes-Benz Vans have enhanced the technology demonstrator SUSTAINEER, built on the foundation of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter. Through the partnership between the SUSTAINEER and the e-cargo bike ONO, Mercedes-Benz …

How Amazon supports safety and decarbonization

In 2023, Amazon reached a milestone in delivery speed. Over 7 billion units arrived the same or next day, with over 4 billion in the U.S. and over 2 billion in Europe. Amazon collaborates with partners within the operational network to ensure safe and efficient package delivery to customers. Amazon’s commitment extends to keeping their …

What should a CPO know about decarbonizing road transport

In the discussion about the energy transition towards zero-emission transportation, the transportation procurement officer at shippers has been missing so far. This should not be the case. Transportation procurement should make a thorough assessment based on knowledge and facts. Smarter procurement is necessary for decarbonizing road transport in collaboration with logistics partners. More and more …