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 …

Geopost e-shopper barometer 2023 presents trends in e-fulfillment

In 2023, European online shoppers are returning to fundamental criteria when making purchases, as indicated by the Geopost e-shopper barometer. Key factors influencing their choices include price, clarity of product features, ease of purchase and return, punctuality, and delivery flexibility. These findings underline the continued success of out-of-home delivery and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms, aligning with observed …

PULSe: urban logistics solutions based on Eco-friendly vehicles in Rome

The new PULSe project investigates, analyses, and evaluates to validate the technical-regulatory-operational-behavioral requirements and environmental-economic-social impacts of two public-private, innovative urban logistics solutions in the metropolitan area of Rome. The solutions investigated will be:1. Shared charging/refill stations hub for electric and hydrogen freight vehicles,2. Service trips and reverse logistics with eco-friendly vehicles. In particular, the …

Amazon: fulfillment cost in 2023 35,6% of net sales

Amazon surpassed sales expectations during the 2023 holiday shopping season. The net product sales for the last quarter of 2023 were 76,7 $ billion, reflecting a 9 percent increase from the previous year. Despite facing challenges from cost-conscious consumers and increased expenses, Amazon’s holiday sales events provided optimistic signs of a potential recovery in its …