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Change is coming . In the United States more than 100 cities have pledged to join the carbon neutral movement . The final-mile will play a key role in its success .
fforts to reimagine last-mile deliveries in cities are critical to the health and safety of city dwellers and to the carriers ’ ability to deliver consumer packages . “ Rising traffic congestion , limited curb space , as well as noise pollution are major challenges for cities ,” according to the Urban Freight Lab . “ A significant part of congestion is caused by urban freight transport ( trucks represent 7 % of vehicles on the road and yet create 28 % of congestion ), particularly during the final step of the delivery process .” The Urban Freight Lab ( UFL ) brings together private industry , academic researchers , and public transportation agencies to solve urban freight management problems that overlap private and public spaces .
CLDA member Mark Chiusano has embraced the work of the Urban Freight Lab for many years , and became a member of the UFL in 2021 . Chiusano ’ s Cornucopia Logistics services large retailers in Manhattan , Connecticut , New Jersey , and throughout New York state in a more sustainable way . Cornucopia began testing new business models in urban areas . “ We use nine 26-foot box trucks to pick up freight from a warehouse and strategically park them in urban areas to meet up with walkers who use handcarts to deliver to the consumer . The truck becomes the hub .,” he recalls . “ This approach helps to reduce road congestion and emissions for 13,000 deliveries in NYC each day .”
Cornucopia ’ s delivery strategy continues to evolve to use as e-bikes with trailers in urban areas to improve the speed and distance of deliveries . The company employs 300 e-bikers in New York City and 300 walkers with hand carts daily . “ If we used vans to perform those same deliveries we would add 120 vehicles to the already busy streets of Manhattan , straining available parking and adding unnecessary carbon to the environment ,” Chiusano says .
In November 2022 , Chiusano launched Net Zero Logistics , an urban e-commerce delivery company focusing on offering sustainable , green deliveries . “ Our value proposition is based on providing the most efficient , effective , and creative last-mile transportation solutions to our customers with a minimal carbon footprint ,” he says . “ We try to eliminate the use of vans and utilize alternative modes of transportation to complete deliveries in the urban environment . By working with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Council , through the Boston Delivers pilot program , we will reduce emissions and congestion using ebikes to make deliveries via a micro fulfillment center for businesses in the Allston / Brighton areas .
The Low-Carbon Final Mile
Micro mobility is the hot new term for urban logistics . Chiusano defines it this way : “ Micro mobility is the minimization of traditional forms of transportation in the delivery process . The goal is to lessen the impact on society , whether it ’ s congestion on city streets , overburdened curb space or emissions from a delivery vehicle . In our case , it ’ s about developing a low-carbon final mile . In addition to using walkers and traditional bicycles , our planning includes e-bikes , e-cars and eventually e-vans .”
It ’ s a trend that final-mile providers should embrace , Chiusano asserts . “ It would be in the logistics companies best interest to get on board with micro mobility and the need to reduce their carbon footprint . I know this requires a large financial investment in e-bikes , hand carts , trailers , safety equipment , and employee training . As more and more US cities require change and consumers demand results , the industry must be ready to react and respond . Our hope is that the equipment will pay for itself .”
spring 2023 I customized logistics & delivery Magazine 17