What is the story: We have made delivering parcels to busy city centres more efficient and sustainable by replacing diesel-powered lorries with cargo bikes or walkers, operating from so-called 'micro-depots'.
Why it matters: Conventional and electrically assisted cargo bikes are proving to be a good alternative. They take up less space, reduce noise, pollution and congestion – making city centres more livable and more pleasant places while saving around 57 tons of CO2 per year in Hamburg alone, not counting the benefits of relieving congestion.
How it works:
- Parcels for a specific city centre neighbourhood are brought to a local ‘micro-depot’.
- These depots can be a container, small storage room, or secured area on a parking deck.
- UPS operators then use conventional and electrically assisted bicycles as well as walkers to make deliveries and collections to and from the micro-depot.
The history behind it: In 2012, Hamburg became a model for parcel deliveries in more than 30 cities worldwide, including Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, Dublin, London, Portland and New York. The concept also works in smaller German cities like Paderborn and Westerstede.
One size does not fit all: Every city is different, so we adapt the concept to meet local requirements without compromising the reliability our customers expect of the UPS brand.
Deeper dive:
- Take a look at UPS’ ESG action plan and progress towards our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Learn more about our newest renewable natural gas (RNG) fuelling station, our electric vehicle journey and sustainable shipping options.