From research to logistics practice
In city logistics, emission-free vehicles are on the increase. In Germany, Dachser Group is entering the second phase of its "emission-free delivery" programme. The freight forwarder and logistics provider currently runs twelve emission-free inner-city delivery areas for non-temperature-controlled goods as part of its European network. Further growth is planned: at least ten major European cities are to follow by 2025.
"With Dachser’s emission-free delivery concept, we have proven that we can deliver the last mile with emission-free groupage," says Stefan Hohm, chief development officer (CDO).
The company has so far been carrying out emission-free deliveries of parcel and groupage consignments in a number of delivery areas in Berlin, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Munich, Dortmund, Copenhagen, Oslo, Prague, Strasbourg, Paris, Madrid and Porto.
Dachser uses zero-emission vehicles, battery-electric vans and trucks adapted to local requirements, as well as electrically assisted cargo bikes. The latter are specially designed for general cargo and palletised goods weighing up to 250 kg.
The cargo bikes start their tour at a transhipment warehouse close to the city centre - called a "microhub" - and travel into the pedestrian zones. The e-trucks in turn supply the microhubs with goods or deliver directly to the recipients. (cd)