The pilot includes a cargo-bike delivery service enabling zero operating emissions
The University of Washington’s Urban Freight Lab (UFL) has launched and deployed what it claims to be one of the nation’s first zero operating-emissions, last-mile delivery pilots in the uptown neighbourhood of Seattle.
It is working in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and tech and a number of delivery companies including AxleHire, Coaster Cycles, BrightDrop, and Reef.
Last-mile solutions
Using zero operating emissions technologies, the Seattle Neighbourhood Delivery Hub, allows last-mile solutions providers to more quickly and efficiently test new vehicles, delivery models, and technologies – all in service of getting new eco-friendly solutions to market more quickly.
These technologies are an important part of the City of Seattle’s strategy to reduce climate emissions outlined in its Transportation Electrification Blueprint, including the goal of transitioning 30 per cent of goods delivery to zero emissions by 2030.
“In partnership with our members, and the City of Seattle, the Urban Freight Lab is excited to help catalyse a transition to zero-emissions last-mile delivery,” said Anne Goodchild, founding director, supply chain transportation and logistics centre, which houses the Urban Freight Lab, and professor, civil and environmental engineering, University of Washington.
“We anticipate the pilot will reduce traffic in the uptown neighbourhood, provide access to safe and convenient goods and services, and allow our partners to test novel, zero-emissions delivery solutions.”
The neighbourhood delivery hub houses:
- a neighbourhood kitchen, bringing the local area quick and low-emissions access to some of their favourite delivery restaurants
- a common-carrier parcel locker, providing neighbours secure and contactless package delivery from all major package carriers in an energy-efficient model, enabling neighbours to complete their own final mile
- a cargo-bike delivery service enabling zero operating emissions last-mile goods transport by safe, neighbourhood friendly vehicles.
