Automated urban distribution
with parcels that, as it were, ‘piggyback’ on available freight from green transport operators. According to consultancy firm Roland Berger, this is the urban logistics of the future. A model of this kind could put the Netherlands’ logistics sector on the map.
In the report ‘The last mile – What changes are coming to the logistics landscape?’, the consultancy firm asks whether the Netherlands is ready for the massive growth in parcel volumes, particularly now that urban deliveries are becoming increasingly fragmented. According to Roland Berger, far-reaching changes are
are needed to prepare urban logistics for
the future. In other words: how can the Dutch logistics sector be organised more efficiently
organised whilst striving for zero emissions and
all customer requirements?
The report highlights various initiatives – such as an Uber-style parcel service and distribution hubs on the outskirts of cities – that could make urban distribution future-proof. According to Roland Berger, the real crux lies in collaboration, both between industry players and beyond the value chain. “Wouldn’t it be a wonderful challenge to work together to
launch such a zero-emission urban
distribution model in a specific location in the Netherlands through a non-competitive
partnership?”, the report states.
Sustainable city distribution: the ideal situation
The consultancy sketches the ideal situation as follows: a municipality must make space available on the edge of the city and a local developer must be willing to invest in an automated distribution centre at that location. Parcels are delivered by larger transport to the distribution centre on the city boundary, from where smaller green transport takes over. A tender platform then links the traceable parcels to unused freight from connected urban (green) carriers on the most efficient routes.
Urban carriers can accept a shipping order, paying their offered price per kilometre of cubic metre of content transported. Higher prices for faster delivery are possible in the process. "This system using residual freight, with the most efficient route being driven by the cheapest party, ensures a green and efficient solution with room to meet customers' premium requirements." Such a model requires action from government agencies and developers. "But it also requires cooperation between carriers, manufacturers, retailers, telematics services and IT suppliers."
In an infographic, it looks like this:
The full report can be downloaded here.
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