The sharing economy is slowly making its appearance in logistics. However, many opportunities are not yet exploited. The Flemish Institute for Logistics (VIL) wants to test the sharing of all kinds of logistics assets, from forklifts to cold stores.
In a new project called 'Sharing Logistics', VIL, in collaboration with Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (Howest), is developing a sharing platform that can match supply and demand. On this platform, companies, for example within an industrial zone or business park, can use each other's unused assets and services without any profit motive. That is, the rent should not exceed the costs incurred.
Mapping unused assets
"Logistics assets are usually very capital-intensive, not only in purchase but also in maintenance," VIL writes in a press release. Assets eligible for this project vary widely. They include: forklifts, aerial work platforms, meeting rooms, straddle carriers, refrigerated areas, sweepers, unused warehouse space, security personnel, reach stackers, terminal tractors and trainers.
VIL is starting the project by mapping logistic assets and services that remain unused during the day at participating companies. The ultimate goal is to develop an efficient platform on which participating companies can connect with each other in a clear and fast way to establish a transaction. "
Why no sharing economy in logistics?
"With our participation in this project, we expect to arrive at a low-threshold, locally usable and SME-proof sharing platform," said Mario Demets, Lecturer in Logistics Management at Howest Brugge. "Our logistics management students do internships and undergraduate pilot projects at a lot of shippers and transport companies. The shortage or excess of logistics assets turns out to be a persistent problem that costs companies a lot of money. Car sharing, meanwhile, is becoming a standard for second family cars. So why couldn't it work in logistics? If we want to make logistics greener, more efficient use of logistics assets, and thus 'sharing logistics' is a must."
Companies that want to participate in setting up this project can apply until the end of March 2020.
