ITF: the final frontier of urban logistics – tackling the last meters

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 final frontier for urban deliveries. E-commerce has increased the number of deliveries in already crowded cities. Accommodating the growing demand in sustainable and socially acceptable ways is a critical challenge for cities. Proposed solutions include porters, bicycle deliveries, and automated delivery pods.

The report discusses the challenges and potential solutions for last-metre parcel delivery in urban areas. It explores the limitations of automated drones and robots and alternative methods such as pick-up points and porters. The section also highlights the importance of managing street-space tensions and balancing public interests with innovation in urban logistics.

  • Due to operational limitations and access restrictions, automated delivery drones and robots may not be effective for last-metre operations in urban areas.
  • Emerging alternatives like pick-up points and porters are considered more suitable for improving operational efficiencies in urban parcel deliveries.
  • The use of small sidewalk robots is found to be the most promising among automated alternatives, but their use cases remain limited.
  • Due to their large dimensions and limited carrying capacities, delivery drones are unlikely to displace existing last-mile alternatives in dense urban areas significantly.
  • Increased city freight demand has led to environmental and economic costs, such as congestion and parking pressure.
  • Implementing lower-tech solutions like pick-up points could be more efficient and effective at mitigating negative externalities than automated solutions.
  • Policymakers should anticipate the risks and legal complexities associated with potential logistics interventions, especially in the context of urban automated deliveries.
  • Urban logistics policy must balance private stakeholders’ interests with public and societal needs to ensure innovation aligns with the greater good.

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Source: ITF

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Walther Ploos van Amstel  

Passie in logistiek & supply chain management

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