Eleonora Morganti

The deployment of city and area distribution centers in France and Italy: Comparison of six representative models

In this article, we propose a critical overview of the deployment of urban distribution centers (UDCs) in France and Italy. We focus on two categories of UDCs: those deployed to deliver to the city and located in peripheral areas and those located close to a specific area to serve it. Starting from an initial typology of experiments, obtained from a systematic analysis of 34 experiences (18 in France and 16 in Italy), we orient the study towards the analysis of six models of cooperative strategies set up to reach an economic viability of these platforms. Those models are studied on a four-element grid: steering, organization, development, and financing. The defined typology and the analysis of the six types of cases enabled us to determine the main elements that influence the search for economic viability in urban consolidation and distribution platforms.

Recent Innovation in Last Mile Deliveries

In cities and metropolitan areas, last mile deliveries are a key factor contributing to local economic vitality, urban life quality and attractiveness of urban communities. However, the freight transport sector is responsible for negative impacts, mainly with regards to congestion, CO2 emissions and air and noise pollution. In order to improve efficiency and reduce adverse impacts, private companies as well as city planners and policy makers have designed initiatives to promote urban logistics innovations—organizational and technological—and introduce new policies. In this chapter, we provide an overview of innovative measures for last mile deliveries. We discuss innovation for delivery vehicles: new concepts, sizes and technologies (including electric and hybrid powered engines). We then detail recent innovations in parcel delivery services for e-commerce, focusing on pickup points and automated lockers. Finally, we present recent initiatives on urban food logistics and the deployment of Food Hubs as urban consolidation centers for perishable products.

The rise of on-demand ‘Instant Deliveries’ in European cities

ABSTRACT This exploratory paper contributes to a new body of research that investigates the potential of digital market places to disrupt transport and mobility services. We are specifically looking at the urban freight sector, where numerous app-based services have emerged in recent years. The paper specifically looks at ‘instant deliveries,’ i.e. services providing on-demand delivery within two hours – by either private individuals, independent contractors, or employees – by connecting consignors, couriers and consignees via a digital platform. The paper provides an overview of the main issues concerning instant deliveries, supported by data (including a survey of 96 courier delivery providers) and examples. After presenting a typology of companies (digital platforms) involved in ‘instant deliveries,’ we question in what way they transform the urban freight current patterns. We highlight four issues, discussing their potential to impact urban freight services and related policies in European cities: 1) Freight trips and data; 2) Business models; 3) Labor legislation and work conditions; and 4) Local public policies. We conclude by saying that predicting the medium-term consequences of these changes is difficult, but it is essential that city planning and policies take account of these developments and consider how planning and possibly regulation needs to be adapted to these new ways of doing things.