Dutch plan to use railways for city logistics

There are opportunities for combining passenger and freight transport in passenger trains. The Dutch Ministry of IenW and ProRail have commissioned TU Delft, TNO, and Royal HaskoningDHV to investigate the feasibility. The study indicates that implementation could be possible from 2030 (until 2050). We need to approach mobility differently in terms of space and energy …

Varamis Rail launches zero-emission freight service in London

Varamis Rail has unveiled its innovative zero-emission freight service to revolutionize urban logistics. This service utilizes high-speed electric trains to transport goods directly into the heart of London. Compared to existing urban logistics options, this new service promises faster, more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable deliveries. The company marked the launch with an event at London’s …

Effects of freight curbside management on sustainable cities

Managing freight activities at curbsides has become a contentious issue as various stakeholders compete to access public urban space. While previous research has proposed solutions to alleviate conflicts arising from freight-related space use, there remains a need for a deeper understanding of how these interventions contribute to cities’ sustainable development goals. A new study presents …

Chinese couriers must notify customers before dropping off parcels

New regulations require Chinese couriers to notify customers before dropping off parcels. China’s recent regulatory amendment, which mandates parcel delivery workers to inform customers of the exact delivery location, has evoked a mixed response across the sector. Effective March 1, 2024, the amendment requires delivery workers to refrain from leaving packages at community delivery areas …

Zedify to test ‘Parcels as Passengers’

To tackle urban congestion and maximize resource efficiency, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has joined forces with Zedify to introduce a weekly parcel service from Bristol to Plymouth along the Falcon coach route. Initially conceived as a pilot project, this service forms part of the innovative ‘Parcels as Passengers‘ initiative, designed to optimize …

The retailer’s perspective on the potential for using urban consolidation centers (UCCs)

A new paper examines the role of supportive policies and value-added services that may incentivize retailers to use an urban consolidation center (UCC). The methodology is a case study of Edinburgh, Scotland, based on semi-structured interviews with 30 retailers. Results show that retailers are generally not positive towards using UCCs, and the services that they …

Light Electric Freight Vehicles: beyond the hype

The advancements in city logistics are fostering a rise in smaller, time-sensitive deliveries. Over the past decade, the parcel market has expanded, driven by emerging business models like ship-from-store (B2C and B2B) and quick commerce. Additionally, companies are increasingly emphasizing sustainability. To tackle the challenges of quicker delivery demands, clean transportation (low/zero-emission), and limited space …

Smart loading zones: a data analytics approach for loading zones network design

Urban public space commonly accommodates freight delivery operations through on-street (un)loading zones (LZ). Given the scarcity of public space and its demand by various users, city authorities face the challenge of effectively managing LZ by understanding freight curbside needs and utilization. Despite the popularity of technological solutions and enforcement practices among policymakers to capture curbside …

Decision support for improved construction traffic management and planning

Cities continually face the challenge of urban densification, necessitating ongoing construction, renovation, and demolition projects. These activities lead to a substantial influx of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) into urban areas, yet the specific effects of construction transportation on the urban traffic network remain largely unexplored. This research delves into the spatiotemporal network impacts of construction …