World Economic Forum: Transforming Urban Logistics

If no action is taken, emissions from deliveries in urban centres are expected to grow by 60% by 2030.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has dramatically changed consumer expectations, leading to a surge in delivery volumes. Globally, e-commerce already accounts for more than 20% of retail sales and has added more delivery vehicles to urban roads. While this has brought economic benefits and consumer convenience, it has also created challenges such as congestion, emissions, and safety risks. Therefore, it is critical to transform urban delivery into a more sustainable and efficient system.

Under a business-as-usual scenario, carbon emissions from all urban transport traffic are expected to grow by 60% by 2030. While many consumers prefer sustainable delivery options, less than 30% are willing to compromise on cost without significant changes, and the continued increase in delivery vehicles, which is expected to grow by 80% in some cities by 2030, will increase congestion and emissions.

The report calls on public and private sector stakeholders across the value chain to accelerate transformation and makes recommendations based on existing best practices. These include:

Public Sector

Integrate distribution operations into city strategies through the Sustainable Urban Logistics Programme (SULP).

Clarify and standardize the frameworks and regulations that define how operators interact with the built environment.

Work with the private sector to create incentives for safe, innovative and sustainable practices.

Private sector

Deploy technologies, solutions and collaborative operating models that improve operational efficiency.

Accelerate the transition to a zero-emission fleet by supporting vehicle rollout and financing models.

Providing consumers with information to drive support for more sustainable deliveries.

cooperation

Plan, innovate and collaborate across the entire delivery ecosystem to provide the necessary infrastructure and operating models for transformation.

Deploy shared infrastructure, assets, and other resources to support last-mile operations, including micro-centers, fleets, and package lockers.

Share data to help develop a holistic view of delivery operations and actionable insights.

By fostering a shared commitment to sustainable and innovative practices, delivery ecosystems can implement change that improves quality of life and supports a thriving business environment.

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