Intermodal logistics chain in urban areas
Cities are dynamic ecosystems in which mobility has a significant impact on quality of life. If this is not only to be maintained but also improved, urban mobility must be readjusted as quickly as possible and offer adequate solutions for a range of challenges. These include a steadily growing population, particularly in metropolitan areas, rising CO2 and particulate pollution, an outdated transport infrastructure, high noise levels and the very limited space available for use. The logistics of the so-called last mile are of immense importance here.
To this end, the HÖRMANN Group, together with the companies HÖRMANN Digital, HÖRMANN Vehicle Engineering and HÖRMANN Rawema and partners from industry and research, has jointly evaluated the approach of an intermodal logistics chain in order to generate awareness of the possibilities of potential pilot projects among decision-makers in industry and the public sector. The project is supported by EIT InnoEnergy. More information in the white paper, see PDF
The white paper shows how the use of standardized containers optimizes the "last mile"
The rapid growth in online retail in particular means that urban logistics is operating in an increasingly difficult field of tension. Rising freight volumes and high customer expectations of delivery services in terms of speed and flexibility are in conflict with the impact on quality of life caused by air pollution, traffic jams or the high workload at the same time as increasing CO2 emission regulations, enormous cost pressure and the limited system capacities of urban infrastructure.
A collaborative approach between industry and the public sector is necessary to overcome these environmental, social and economic challenges. Only when the key players work together across sectors can efficient solutions be found to transport more freight in the same amount of time, while causing fewer emissions and taking up less space.
The intermodal logistics chain of road and rail transport presented in the white paper is a promising approach for implementing an ecologically and economically sustainable concept in the urban environment. This can contribute to the decarbonization of urban mobility, increase the economic efficiency of providers and lead to more liveable urban spaces.
