Mobility marketplace minute: driving change in last-mile delivery

With e-commerce booming and urban populations growing, cities face increasing pressure to manage the last-mile delivery of goods efficiently. While traditional logistics models often lead to congestion, higher emissions and inefficiencies in densely populated areas, micro-hubs – small, strategically located urban facilities – can optimise logistics. 

Micro-hubs consolidate goods close to their final delivery points, typically only one to five kilometres away, helping reduce traffic congestion and cut emissions. Cities like London and Madrid have used micro-hubs to transform last-mile deliveries, utilising sustainable modes such as cargo bikes. This approach has enabled up to 90% carbon savings per parcel in some cases. Micro-hubs also promote the uptake of low-emission vehicles, complementing the Low Emission Zone policies in European cities and improving air quality and creating safer, more pedestrian-friendly streets. 

Micro-hubs in action: the Zaragoza experience 

As cities across Europe explore innovative logistics solutions, the city of Zaragoza in Spain, stands out as a model for efficient and sustainable last-mile delivery. With over 53,000 residents in its city centre and growing logistic demands, Zaragoza faces challenges common to urban areas: congestion, narrow streets, and since 2023, a need to comply with Low Emission Zone (LEZ) restrictions. 

To address these issues, CITYlogin, a sustainable last-mile logistics provider, introduced a 600 square metre micro-hub in Zaragoza's city centre in October 2022. This facility has transformed local logistics by distributing over 1,500 parcels daily via fully-electric motorbikes. Parcels are pre-sorted at a larger warehouse and then transported to the micro-hub, where they are loaded onto the motorbikes. The micro-hub's built-in charging stations ensure the motorbikes are always ready for operation. 

The results speak for themselves: delivery routes are now 21% shorter, delivery times have decreased by 30%, and overall driving time has been reduced by 12%. Furthermore, replacing diesel vans with electric motorbikes cuts emissions by over 382 grams of CO2 per delivery, aligning with Zaragoza’s LEZ goals. The quieter, smaller vehicles also have less negative impact on urban public spaces, and have created a more liveable environment. 

Bologna’s micro-hub: a collaborative step forward 

As part of the URBANE project, Bologna piloted a new micro-hub concept in its historical centre, including four square kilometres and 2,600 businesses in a new Limited Traffic Zone. The pilot introduced a Nearby Delivery Area (NDA), where goods are transferred from traditional vans to Light Electric Delivery Vehicles (LEDVs) for final delivery. Unlike conventional approaches, this initiative brought competitors together: two logistics providers shared the micro-hub to facilitate B2B deliveries, aligning with the Physical Internet concept and reducing urban freight inefficiencies. 

The results are promising. The shared micro-hubs, supported by a digital twin platform for real-time logistics planning, reduced daily CO2 emissions by 52%. This initiative also aligns with Bologna’s Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan, showcasing how collaboration and innovation can alleviate congestion, improve delivery efficiency and support the shift toward zero-emission last-mile urban logistics freight solutions. Bologna’s project serves as a powerful example of how micro-hubs can reimagine logistics in historic and densely populated areas. 

Innovative solutions to drive change in last-mile mobility 

The evolution of last-mile delivery demands innovative solutions to meet the challenges of urban logistics. On the Mobility Innovation Marketplace a diverse range of tools and concepts shaping this field can be found. For instance, SUM-X cargo eBike, a sustainable alternative for urban deliveries, offers a lightweight frame and modular design to make the bike flexible for carrying goods or passengers, while electric-assisted pedalling ensures efficiency in dense city centres.  

Similarly, Parkunload redefines curbside management with its digital platform that dynamically regulates loading zones based on factors like time, vehicle type and city context. Meanwhile, tools like DEKI provides advanced route optimisation to reduce environmental impact, while Urban Radar equips planners with real-time data to better understand delivery trends and loading zone usage. These innovations demonstrate how technology can reimagine urban logistics, fostering efficiency and sustainability. 

Learn about the solutions that enhance urban logistics, along with over 450 products and more than 60 best practices and multiple market opportunities, on the Mobility Innovation Marketplace.