The increase in online shopping has led to a significant rise in parcel deliveries worldwide. In Australia, the number of households making monthly online purchases has also been growing steadily. However, the reliance on high-emitting diesel vans and trucks for last-mile deliveries is leading to various environmental issues, including traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and air pollution.
One way to address the environmental impact of deliveries is by using low-emission vehicles, such as electric delivery vans powered by renewable energy sources. While these vehicles are not yet widely available, efforts are being made to increase their numbers. Another approach is to optimize the organization of deliveries and explore innovative ideas like crowdshipping.
Crowdshipping is a concept that utilizes crowdsourcing for delivery services. It involves members of the public volunteering to deliver parcels while on their regular journeys. By matching parcels with people traveling to destinations close to the package’s final stop, crowdshipping makes use of existing transport capacity efficiently.
A simulation conducted in Singapore demonstrated the potential benefits of crowdshipping. By outsourcing a small percentage of parcel deliveries to crowdshippers using public buses, e-commerce carriers could reduce the number of delivery vehicles needed, leading to a decrease in emissions and cost savings. The concept of crowdshipping could provide a sustainable solution for urban deliveries.
One concern is whether passengers would be willing to participate in crowdshipping. A survey showed positive responses from potential crowdshippers, motivated by the opportunity to earn some income while traveling. To avoid congestion during peak hours, crowdshipping could be limited to off-peak times when public transport has excess capacity.
To ensure the success of crowdshipping, it is essential to establish accountability and trust among users. Service platforms should be designed to verify identities, track parcel statuses, and maintain reliability. By addressing these practical considerations, the implementation of crowdshipping using public transport could revolutionize urban deliveries.
Innovation is key to making urban mobility sustainable, especially in the context of the rising demand for online shopping and parcel deliveries. By integrating passenger and freight transport through solutions like crowdshipping, cities can enhance the efficiency of their logistics operations. Through data-driven modeling and simulations, new ideas can be explored, tested, and realized to create a more sustainable future for urban deliveries.
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