Last mile logistics refers to the final stage of the delivery process, which involves transporting goods from a warehouse or distribution center to the final destination, typically a residential or commercial address. In European cities, last mile logistics is an increasingly important issue due to the growing demand for e-commerce and same-day delivery services.
One of the major challenges faced by last mile logistics in European cities is the high population density and limited space for delivery vehicles. This has led to increased traffic congestion, longer delivery times, and higher costs. To address these issues, many cities are exploring alternative delivery methods such as electric vehicles, cargo bikes, and even drones.
Another challenge is the lack of standardized delivery processes across different countries and cities in Europe, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays. For this, there have been efforts to develop standardized delivery protocols and regulations at the EU level.
In addition to these challenges, there is also growing concern about the environmental impact of last mile logistics, particularly with regard to emissions from delivery vehicles. Many European cities have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions, and last mile logistics is seen as a key area where these targets can be achieved.
Overall, last mile logistics is a complex and multifaceted issue in European cities, but in my opinion, critical to the success of e-commerce and the broader economy. As such, there is a growing focus on developing innovative solutions that can address the challenges while also promoting sustainability and efficiency.
In addition to this, below there is a link to a report where it is possible to find some interesting information about last mile logistics in Europe. Hotspots of demand are identified and locations where a high growth is expected.
The blog of Logistics at MGEPS at UPV 