Modular containerization of parcel networks: simulation-based impact assessment

The parcel industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, primarily driven by the surge of e-commerce and new technologies. The Physical Internet (PI) provides initiatives to optimize parcel flow and jointly address the industry’s economic, operational, social, and environmental sustainability issues. Encapsulating parcels in modular PI containers is a promising method to enhance efficiency …

Assessing the inequalities in access to online delivery services

A 2021 paper discusses the importance of incorporating online home delivery services (OHDS) into accessibility and marginalization. The authors propose a method to quantify access to OHDS and assess levels of inequalities in access to OHDS using data from OHDS providers in the pharmaceutical and food sectors and transport operators delivering parcels. The Västra Götaland Region on …

WCTR 2023: future research themes in city logistics

During WCTR23, a panel led by Michael Browne discussed future research themes in city logistics with the audience. City logistics research has grown dramatically in recent years (from a small base). There are many more conferences and journal papers, and more researchers are now involved in this field. This panel session will identify the actions …

Research: analysis of stakeholder roles in balancing freight transport in the city logistics ecosystem

Sustainability objectives determine the current guidelines for urban freight transport. Therefore, local authorities face the challenge of making urban freight transport sustainable. To do so, it is necessary to involve the various stakeholder groups of the city logistics ecosystem in ongoing sustainability efforts. This problem formed the basis for the formulated objective of a recent …

UK low-traffic neighborhoods are 3 to 4 times safer

Researchers examined the impact on road traffic injuries of introducing low-traffic neighborhoods in Waltham Forest, London. Using police data from 2012-2019, they found a three-fold decline in the number of injuries inside low-traffic neighborhoods after implementation relative to the rest of Waltham Forest and the rest of Outer London. They further estimate that walking, cycling, …

IPC: 2022 results show limited revenue decline of 0.9% for post worldwide

According to preliminary results published by International Post Corporation (IPC), postal operators worldwide saw revenue decrease by 0.9% on average in 2022, demonstrating resilience following the post-Covid strong growth and the overall challenging environment.    Holger Winklbauer, CEO of IPC, commented on the results: “Preliminary results for 2022 show that continuous efforts of posts to …

LEZs can reduce air pollution-related health outcomes

Several cities have implemented low-emission zones (LEZs) and congestion charging zones (CCZs). Researchers from the School of Public Health of Imperial College London systematically reviewed the evidence on the effects of these air pollution and congestion reduction schemes on various physical health outcomes. Although CCZs and LEZs restrict private vehicle use within cities, they differ …

London CRP has launched the Urban Logistics Hub Map

CRP has launched the Urban Logistics Hub Map, an online tool showcasing sites that could be potentially used for urban logistics. This tool has been developed from the 2020 study commissioned by the Central London Sub Regional Transport Partnership, which investigated the requirements that a logistics operator would need for a micro hub and the availability of underutilized space …