The urban distribution of goods has become a key factor in the functioning of cities, affecting public space, traffic management and the environment. In this context, Logistop has organised the Observatory Logistic Challenges of urban distribution of goods in cities: improving the coexistence between delivery and city, with the aim of analysing the main difficulties faced by urban logistics and proposing innovative and collaborative solutions.
Urban distribution of goods: a steadily growing challenge
During the event, it was highlighted that urban distribution is experiencing an annual growth of 8% until 2030, mainly driven by the rise of e-commerce and increasing consumer demands. However, this growth is also posing new challenges.
Daniel Latorre, Deputy CEO of CITYlogin and Head of Innovation of Logistop’s Urban Logistics working group, noted that while demand for delivery is increasing, municipal regulations remain diverse and, in many cases, insufficient for today’s needs. “We are faced with a scenario of uncertainty in both consumer behaviour and the application of new technologies and regulation, which varies significantly between municipalities”, said Latorre.
This environment of constant change and growth has made more significant the need to optimise delivery processes, minimise the carbon footprint and manage the use of public space, especially in urban centres, where it is increasingly limited.
Innovation and sustainability: out of home as an alternative
One of the most prominent themes of the session was the need to find alternatives to the traditional home delivery model. Aristeo Rodríguez, Acquisition Strategy & Go to Market at InPost, analysed the out of home model, a system that has gained great acceptance in countries such as Poland, where 56% of deliveries are already made through lockers and collection points, surpassing traditional home delivery.
“The out-of-home market is a reality, and we expect that in the next three years it will be 42% consolidated in Spain”, said Rodríguez. his trend responds to the need, among others, to reduce the number of delivery vehicles in circulation and, at the same time, to make life easier for consumers, who can pick up their packages at convenience points whenever they wish.
The last mile: imminent collapse if no action is taken
Rafael Villa, Head of Logistic at Metro de Madrid, addressed the problem of the collapse of the last mile, especially in large cities such as Madrid, where the volume of surface vehicles is high. “It is essential that cities take measures to move delivery vehicles away from the city centre and find alternatives to reduce their impact”, commented Villa.
He also commented that Metro de Madrid is exploring solutions to take advantage of its underground infrastructures, such as metro stations and disused areas, to install lockers and distribution microhubs to help decongest surface traffic. “he potential of our metro network is enormous. With such a wide capillarity, we can help reduce the number of vehicles in the city and make it easier for users to access their shipments, for example, when travelling by metro”, added Villa.
Key factors for success: regulation, consolidation and collaboration
Throughout the session, experts agreed that the success of any change in urban freight distribution depends on three main factors: regulation, consolidation of the sector and collaboration between key players.
- Regulación. The implementation of Low Emission Zones and specific labour regulations affecting self-employed delivery drivers are two regulatory levers that, according to Aristeo Rodríguez, will have a decisive impact on the future of urban freight distribution.
- Consolidation of the sector. As the sector becomes more structured and consolidated, it will be easier to implement changes that optimise logistics processes and reduce operating costs.
- Colaboración. Daniel Latorre stressed the importance of collaboration not only between public and private entities, but also between competitors in the sector. “Horizontal collaboration is key, although it is often the most difficult to achieve”.
The role of innovation and sustainability
The need to implement innovative and disruptive projects that reduce the carbon footprint and optimise the use of public space is latent. Any project that seeks to improve the urban distribution of goods must focus on three strategic axes: reducing emissions, reducing the impact on public space and creating synergies that reduce operating costs.
“Our ultimate goal is to develop urban logistics that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable”, concluded Daniel Latorre.
Este Observatory Logistic de Logistop ha puesto sobre la mesa la urgencia de encontrar soluciones sostenibles y colaborativas para los crecientes desafíos de la DUM. Con el comercio electrónico en auge y las ciudades cada vez más saturadas, es prioritario apostar por modelos innovadores (como el out of home o el uso de lockers) y la colaboración público-privada para optimizar el reparto y minimizar el impacto en las ciudades.
En definitiva, la clave para el éxito radica en la colaboración entre todos los actores involucrados, la implementación de normativas claras y la apuesta por tecnologías y modelos logísticos que favorezcan tanto al consumidor como al entorno urbano.
For more information on the event, please contact Iris Amado, Communications and Marketing at Logistop, at iris.amado@logistop.org.
About Logistop
At Logistop we transform the supply chain through innovation, helping industry and companies to become more efficient and sustainable.
We are a multidisciplinary and inter-territorial working space in the logistics innovation arena formed by all the actors involved in the supply chain, as well as universities, technology centres, associations and specialised consultancy firms.
One of Logistop’s main objectives is:
- To promote the need for innovation among companies involved in the logistics sector;
- To promote innovation projects;
- To communicate the real needs of the sector at an institutional level.