During Supply Chain Innovations 2025 in Antwerp (organized by ValueChain), Bram Kin addressed innovations in the ‘last mile’ of the logistics chain – urban logistics.
Many innovations in the logistics sector, such as electric vehicles and alternative delivery points like parcel lockers, are breaking through in urban contexts. Cities have the highest customer density – but also the greatest challenges. While many last-mile innovations succeed, many others fail to take off. Why is that?
Five key lessons for scaling innovations that contribute to economically sustainable business models, satisfied customers, and livable cities:
-
Approach it as a shared challenge: The responsibility doesn’t lie solely with logistics service providers. Shippers, customers, and municipalities are all part of the equation.
-
Space, space, space: New logistics models require space for transfer points and charging infrastructure in and around cities. This is crucial to reduce the spatial footprint of vehicles in urban areas. Logistics should be an integral part of spatial planning.
-
Leverage digitalization more effectively to:
a) guide and serve the customer;
b) enable asset sharing (vehicles, facilities, routes, charging infrastructure); and
c) coordinate smartly with municipalities on traffic conditions and (dynamic) unloading zones. -
Clear and consistent government policy is essential – especially evident in the partially flawed implementation of zero-emission zones.
-
There is room for both scaling up and diversification: Larger carriers can consolidate further, while smaller, local services – with deep knowledge of the customer and the city – can thrive alongside them.
