Friday, December 12th, 2025
On November 18th, the third episode of the Find Space for Mobility & Logistics Data webinar series, jointly organised by ALICE and POLIS, brought together city representatives, researchers, technology providers and logistics stakeholders to explore how digital tools and interoperable data frameworks can improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban freight. This series supports the ongoing POLIS–ALICE collaboration and builds on recommendations from the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM), particularly those related to data sharing for zero-emission logistics.
This session, moderated by Johan Leveque (ALICE Urban Logistics co-chair) highlighted two EU-funded projects that are advancing practical, data-driven approaches to last-mile and urban logistics.
Mathieu Neveu (Urban Radar) presented results from the LogE-Hubs project, funded by EIT Urban Mobility, which is developing a digital platform to support cities in the strategic planning of last-mile logistics hubs. Using floating car data and contextual layers such as loading zones, lockers, bike infrastructure and activity areas, the platform enables cities to understand commercial vehicle flows, identify informal loading hotspots, and analyse origin-destination patterns and transit traffic.
A new hub siting methodology, currently piloted in Las Rozas and Braga, combines these datasets to generate an evidence-based score for optimal hub locations. Mathieu also discussed challenges related to data sourcing, representativeness and classification, noting that while the system is not designed for precise traffic counts, it delivers valuable insights into urban delivery dynamics and can be replicated in diverse city contexts.
Prof. Joris Beckers (University of Antwerp) then presented findings from the GREEN-LOG project, which is testing consumer-driven consolidation and a Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS) platform. Piloted in Mechelen, the approach allows consumers to select delivery slots after their parcel arrives at a microhub, supported by dynamic pricing and behavioural nudges encouraging consolidation. The three-month pilot processed nearly 500 parcels and reduced delivery tours from 178 van trips to 94 cargo-bike tours, achieving a 27% consolidation improvement at individual level.
Joris noted that large-scale deployment will require integration with retailer checkout systems and alignment across the supply chain, given the current prioritisation of speed in e-commerce. Ongoing GREEN-LOG pilots in Ghent and Leuven extend the model to local retailers and reverse logistics.
During the Q&A, participants explored questions related to data quality, interoperability, transferability and the conditions required for replication in other cities. Both speakers emphasised that while technology is advancing rapidly, governance models, incentives and stakeholder alignment remain essential for scale-up.
The FSMLD webinar series continues to provide a platform for advancing public-private dialogue on data-driven urban logistics. ALICE and POLIS will continue working together to support cities and industry in implementing the EGUM recommendations and accelerating Europe’s transition toward zero-emission, digitally enabled urban freight.