E-commerce has produced a dramatic change in how goods are delivered, and last-mile delivery has emerged as a critical aspect of urban logistics. It refers to the final process during which products are transported to customers’ destinations from distribution centers.
However, the delivery process has gained a great deal of notoriety as a subject of concern as well. Various previous studies as well as case reports described traffic emissions and vehicle emissions in relation to urban pollution. The current article explores this complex chain of events by examining both last-mile delivery and urban pollution. It discusses the projections and further steps in this direction.
Urban Pollution Dilemma: The Role of Last-Mile Delivery
Urban pollution can be exacerbated by last-mile delivery significantly, particularly given the current context of growing environmental issues in logistics. According to the 2021 study, last-mile delivery was responsible for around 28% of all transportation emissions in urban areas, which is a notably high number, especially given the increased use of e-commerce by consumers. In 2030, this number is anticipated to rise to 35% due to the likely increase of online shopping at Spartan. Thus, effective solutions are required to combat the problem.
The environmental impact of the delivery is not only limited to the operation of carbon emissions but also includes noise pollution and increased pollution within the city center. In fact, the traffic is a major problem within the city, and the delivery of goods and other items results in the continued operation of vehicles in the highly populated territory.
In the case of New York City, the report investigating the environmental implications of delivery function found that about 20% of the overall city-level of carbon emissions is generated by the slow-moving delivery cars.
Thus, the traffic is the most common reason for the contribution of this sector, whereas the strategy of delivering the items to the final location also plays a significant negative role. This problem will only become more acute in the few next years as the demand for electronic commerce continues to rise, while the greatest cities will continue to expand in size and density.
Sustainability Solutions for Last-Mile Delivery
There is no better way to solve the problem than to use the services that provide sustainable delivery solutions. By the year 2035, a minimum of 50% ecosystem delivery will be implemented in the city with regard to urban shipment. These include electrical cars and cargo bikes and vehicles, significantly decreasing the carbon concentration caused by the delivery of goods.
Urban Logistics Challenges: The Struggle for Sustainability
Urban logistics challenges significantly hinder the implementation of sustainable last-mile alternative delivery solutions. As such, a number of issues make this type of delivery ineffective in the effort to reduce the impact on the environment of the pollution generated by electronic commerce. The following points list the main points, starting with:
- Congestion: Continued operation of a vehicle in the highly populated area will only sustain the problem. By 2025, it is only expected to grow.
- Inefficient routing: Waste mileage and increased fuel consumption due to inefficient routing. A study found that better routes could reduce the emissions of last-mile delivery operations up to 30%. However, many logistics companies still rely on outdated systems.
- Lack of infrastructure: Urban areas often lack the necessary infrastructure for more eco-friendly methods. For example, the absence of EV charge stations or bike carrier lanes discourages the use of these sustainable delivery options.
- Consumer demands: Increasing demands for same-day or next-day delivery can increase emissions due to the rush to send parcels.
- Regulatory restrictions: Promising future technologies might face delays due to strict regulations.
- High upstart costs: The time and money necessary to shift to sustainable delivery may not seem worth the investment.
- Changing urban dynamics: Fluctuating population densities and consumer behaviors complicate logistics, increasing the need for flexibility.
Innovative Solutions to Reduce Urban Pollution
As part of the move toward sustainability, innovative last-mile delivery solutions are gaining increased importance. These innovations are aimed at reducing urban emissions and improving the efficiency of the logistics sector.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): By 2030, 40% of last-mile deliveries will be made using electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions by 20%.
- Cargo Bikes: Effective for urban areas, cargo bikes will account for 10% of deliveries by 2025.
- Smart Routing Technologies: By 2028, 90% of delivery companies will use smart routing technologies, cutting emissions by 25%.
- Delivery Drones: By 2035, drones will handle 5% of deliveries, easing congestion and emissions.
- Urban Consolidation Centers: Centralized hubs will reduce truck traffic and emissions by 30% in cities by 2030.
- Real-time Tracking Systems: By 2025, 50% of e-commerce deliveries will feature real-time tracking, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
Future Projections: The Path Toward Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery
The future of last-mile delivery will become inseparable from sustainability and numerous innovations. As urban pollution continues to grow, the logistics industry will be under great pressure to make its activities greener.
- Eco-Friendly Delivery Methods: By 2030, 60% of urban deliveries will use sustainable methods like electric cars and cargo bikes.
- Reduction in Emissions: By 2028, emissions from last-mile delivery will decrease by 30%.
- Supportive Legislative Regulations: Stricter regulations will reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2035.
- Smart City Initiatives: Half of urban areas will adopt advanced logistics solutions by 2035.
- Collaborative Efforts: By 2028, 70% of logistics companies will collaborate with local authorities for greener solutions.
- Consumer Transparency: By 2035, 80% of consumers will demand insight into the environmental impact of their deliveries.
- Investment in Green Technologies: By 2025, green investments in logistics will grow by 40%.
A Call for Collective Action
The current trajectory of last-mile delivery development reflects the increasing environmental relevance and urgency to address urban pollution. The growing sustainability awareness among businesses and consumers presents a unique opportunity for logistics to contribute to a cleaner urban environment. Success in this endeavor requires joint actions from all stakeholders.
