Microhubs as a growing solution of last mile logistics

Source: European Commission

The EIT Urban Mobility Marketplace has published an article exploring the increasing role of microhubs in last-mile logistics and their potential to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of urban deliveries across Europe.

Urban logistics contributes to more than 25% of transport-related emissions, influenced by congestion and the prevalence of high-emission delivery vehicles. The article presents microhubs - small, strategically located urban facilities where goods are transferred from larger vehicles to low-emission modes such as cargo bikes - as one approach to mitigating these challenges. These hubs may also offer services including vehicle charging, shared fleet use, parking, and goods consolidation.

The article clarifies the distinction between microhubs and related infrastructure, such as delivery lockers and urban consolidation centres, and emphasises the need for coordinated public-private initiatives and strategic urban planning to support their development, particularly in densely populated areas.

Three Horizon Europe projects are highlighted as examples of ongoing microhub initiatives:

• Logro√±o, Spain (DECARBOMILE project): A microhub within the San Blas Market facilitates the transfer of goods to electric cargo bikes. Additional services under development include waste consolidation and community-based deliveries.
• Bologna, Italy (URBANE project): This pilot integrates microhub lockers and light electric vehicles for B2B logistics, with the support of digital tools to enhance operational efficiency.
• Athens, Greece (GREEN-LOG project): The initiative is trialling micro-consolidation centres and mobile depots, featuring a shared electric vehicle and smart parcel lockers to streamline urban distribution.

These projects illustrate various approaches to integrating microhubs in urban environments, with objectives that include emission reduction, improved logistics processes, and more efficient use of city space.

The article can be read in full here.