by Walther Ploos van Amstel
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 …
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 …
The ITF project ‘The Final Frontier of Urban Logistics‘ examines various options for tackling the final step in the logistics chain for parcels. Last-mile deliveries are critical, but how can parcels efficiently and securely travel from the delivery vehicle, package locker, or local drop-off location to the recipient’s front door? These very last meters are …
The decline in post-pandemic logistics funding persists. After peaking at an unprecedented $25.6 billion in 2021, venture funding for logistics start-ups plummeted to just $2.9 billion in 2023, marking a nearly 90 percent drop over two years and the lowest funding level since 2015. Venture capitalists (VCs) and logistics entrepreneurs are now facing the reversal of trends …
Supply chain management includes strategic, tactical, and operational decisions for long, medium, and short-term planning. Strategic decisions, such as network design, and operational decisions, such as last-mile routing, have mutual implications. Therefore, modeling them separately can lead to sub-optimal solutions. Integrated modeling of these decisions has been addressed as a location routing problem (LRP). A …
A new paper examines the impact of e-commerce on urban last-mile distribution through a comprehensive analysis of scientific studies. A corpus of 317 publications spanning two decades was reviewed, identifying 111 pertinent sources. Utilizing bibliometric analysis and systematic assessment, the study comprehensively reveals the effects of e-commerce on last-mile delivery. Key findings encompass environmental, economic, …
A recent study addressed the growing need for efficient delivery services in the expanding e-commerce sector, focusing on real-life consumption data. It proposed a comprehensive modeling framework to evaluate the efficiency of various transportation modes, including Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), cargo bikes, and Autonomous Delivery Robots (ADRs). Drones were not included in this study. Utilizing …
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez launched LockerNYC. This free pilot program will utilize lockers installed on public sidewalks throughout multiple boroughs to allow New Yorkers to receive secure package deliveries. The pilot will be in place for a year, with the potential to be …
New research investigates the benefits of using swap containers in Two-Echelon (2E) urban delivery systems, which extend beyond the reduced handling costs and processing time in van-bike delivery systems. By drawing on the success of standardized freight containers in the international shipping industry, swap containers can substitute low-capacity vehicles in the first delivery echelon with …
Recent research aims to compare autonomous ground vehicles with conventional and electric vans based on associated vehicle costs and benefits related to their use, considering economic feasibility. Cost per vehicle kilometer is derived using the total cost of ownership method adjusted with the inclusion of labor costs and the impact of solar panel application on …