The LAST MILE CITY LOGISTICS in Berlin impressed with quality

Last week, the LAST MILE CITY LOGISTICS (LMCL) took place in Berlin. Experts in last-mile and city logistics gathered for various lectures, workshops, panels, and discussions. The level of the discussions was very high. All experts agreed that this segment of logistics is becoming increasingly important. However, the challenges for climate-neutral city logistics remain significant, and market participants still need to overcome several barriers. The accompanying exhibition showcased some interesting approaches to what the future of city logistics might look like.

(Karlsruhe/Berlin) The smooth organization of urban logistics presents a growing challenge for many cities. Aligning with sustainability goals requires proactive planning and innovative technical solutions. In 2022, 4.15 billion packages were delivered in Germany, and more than 14 billion letters were sent by Deutsche Post alone. At the LAST MILE CITY LOGISTICS (LMCL) in Berlin, an intensive dialogue took place between logistics companies and KEP service providers, innovative companies, as well as urban planners and the real estate industry about the future of city logistics in a modern confex format.

Renowned companies from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland presented a wide range of innovative products and services to an expert audience from across the country and neighboring countries, from electric cargo bikes to route planning software. Amazon Logistics introduced a ‘Delivery Service Partner Program’ aimed at enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own package delivery service on the last mile.

Amendment of the Postal Act sparked discussion

The upcoming amendment of the Postal Act provided plenty of discussion material at the LMCL. The participatory process, which involves many market players comprehensively, was praised. However, there are still some fundamental criticisms. Industry expert Walter Trezek advocated for a shift in perspective from the sender’s view to the consumer’s view to ensure that the law does not need to be revised again soon. Trezek also sees a stronger focus on the last mile as necessary. Another frequently heard criticism is the still limited competitive situation to the detriment of private providers. Carsten Hansen from the Federal Association of Parcel & Express Logistics e.V. demands, referring to the assessment of the Monopolies Commission, that cross-subsidization of state-determined letter postage revenues at market-dominating companies in the parcel delivery service must be regulated in a competition-compliant manner to avoid disadvantages for private providers.

The visitors eagerly followed the high-quality presentations

Municipal workshop addressed urban logistics topics

Christian Jacobi from the Federal Association of Logistics emphasizes that not only large cities are sensitized to this issue, but also in small and medium-sized cities, the interplay between goods traffic, logistics, and mobility needs to be brought together. The municipal workshop, conducted for the first time as part of the LMCL, addressed topics such as the use of micro-depots in urban logistics or the development of strategies for emission-free and city-compatible delivery traffic with a lot of best-practice interaction.

Andreas Schumann (BDKEP e.V.) expressed satisfaction with the course of the LMCL and sees the congress fair as an absolutely necessary platform to actively shape the future of the parcel industry through targeted networking of last-mile actors and, above all, to promote innovations.

In November also in Switzerland

The organizing HINTE Expo & Conference GmbH, together with relevant associations and industry partners, has developed and implemented a concept with a lecture program, company pitches, workshops, and a cargo bike test track, focusing on future solutions. The LMCL format is continuously being developed further and will take place for the first time in the Swiss capital Bern on November 15, 2023, alongside Berlin.

Impressions from the LMCL

Videos from the LMCL

Photos: © Hinte Expo