This article is a summary of a paper exploring the opportunities and challenges for innovative technologies to change the urban freight system (UFS). Automation, electrification and shared mobility are the main drivers for this change, but are facing several barriers from regulation to practical challenges. Nonetheless, there are several pilots and applications proving the benefits of deploying these technologies in the UFS.

This article is a summary of a study that looked into the current state of electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) deployment in the European Union and carried out research on the total cost of ownership (TCO), suitability for vehicle fleets and policy measures to drive the uptake of eLCVs. The study estimated the TCO to enable a comparison to be made between the costs associated with eLCVs and those for conventional light commercial vehicles (LCVs). An eLCV uptake scenario was also developed to identify the potential impact of eLCVs on carbon dioxide (CO₂) and air pollutant emissions.

This is a summary of a study that investigated the impact on net carbon dioxide (CO2) of relocating warehouses from central urban areas to more peripheral areas, while replacing the space with living and working spaces that would otherwise be located at the edge of the city. Although the study showed that both warehouses and inhabitants generated less traffic and CO2 emissions when located in the city centre, the analysis revealed that the net CO2 benefit favoured relocating inhabitants and employees to central areas to replace freight facilities.

There are a number of stakeholders that only interact indirectly with the urban freight system, but have an interest in the sustainable development of the urban area. These stakeholders, such as property owners and public procurement organisations, can have a considerable influence on the way the freight carriers operate. The study described in this article explored the influence these stakeholders have and how they may use it to drive towards a more sustainable urban freight system.

The TRIMIS database includes several national and EU-funded projects that focus on efficient and sustainable urban freight transport.