Micro depot project leader professor Ralf Bogdanski, NIT, (third from left), with DPD and GLS employees
Parcel delivery specialists DPD and GLS are taking part in a new trial organized by the Nuremberg Institute of Technology (NIT) to test the effectiveness of micro depots in facilitating last-mile deliveries in Nuremberg, Germany.
In two geographically separate field trials, parcels destined for retailers and consumers are to be deposited in centrally located containers, vehicles or buildings, where the parcel carriers will then use emissions-free alternatives to deliver the items, such as transport bikes or hand trucks. The trial aims to prove the effectiveness of the micro-depot concept in reducing the impact of traffic in busy inner-city areas. Bavaria’s Interior Ministry, the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce for Central Franconia, and the City of Nuremberg are all involved in supporting the pilot.
Dr Michael Fraas, Nuremberg’s deputy mayor for economic affairs, said, “In view of changing consumer habits and the challenges posed by the growth in online retail, bricks-and-mortar retailers need to have the opportunity to supply their customers with goods conveniently and fast. Courier, express and parcel (CEP) services play a key role in this respect. Our pilot project is an important future component for retail operations in the city center and accordingly for the vitality of the inner city.”
Professor Ralf Bogdanski, project leader at NIT, said, “CEP services represent an essential basic supply service for our city and ensure a vibrant retail culture. The micro-depot concept with deliveries on foot and the use of transport bikes meets the ecological, economic and social sustainability objectives of municipalities, CEP services and the retail industry to a very high degree. We are especially proud of the fact that two major players in the parcels business DPD and GLS are participating in our shared pilot project.”
Gerd Seber, group manager sustainability and innovation at DPD, said, “Intelligent city logistics is essential when it comes to continuing to supply inner-city retailers with goods and linking the urban population with online retailing worldwide. In this respect delivery concepts based on micro-depots can be a highly effective response to the challenges represented by the growth in inner-city traffic.”
Image source: CNA
April 13, 2016
