Ahead of this month’s CiTTi Awards 2024 ceremony, City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine is profiling each of this year’s finalists – continuing with those shortlisted for The Last-Mile Logistics Award!
This award celebrates innovative solutions in last-mile logistics that address operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety enhancements for both the community and logistics personnel.
Entries highlighted collaborations between logistics service providers (including 3PLs, integrators, and equipment suppliers) and their customers, showcasing projects that adapt creatively to the challenges of urban delivery.
What’s more, submissions showcased how these collaborations have led to significant improvements in fulfilment, including urban warehousing, inventory management and delivery processes, to meet the increasing demands of urban populations efficiently and sustainably.
This year’s finalists are:
Curb Cargo & Savills
Curb Cargo & Savills is nominated for the use of last-mile logistics in service of the Leadenhall Building, a 224m London skyscraper. Partnering with Savills, CurbCargo developed a digital platform to tackle congestion at Leadenhall’s busy loading bay by reducing Scope 3 emissions and delivery traffic through data-driven solutions. A study showed The Leadenhall generated 10,945 deliveries and 47,800 kg of CO2 annually, with only 4% electric vehicles. Most deliveries were food, drink, and office supplies, underscoring supply chain inefficiencies. CurbCargo’s platform digitises freight consolidation, offering insights into delivery patterns, environmental impacts, and collaboration opportunities. The system fosters an ESG community, helping occupiers cut emissions, costs, and delivery trips by up to 25%. Funded by the Department for Transport, the project’s 2023 pilot at The Leadenhall was delivered on time and within budget. Results include eliminating non-ULEZ-compliant vehicles and reducing freight trips by 10%, with further cuts planned. Expansion to other Savills properties will extend these benefits citywide.Evri
Evri is nominated for its priotistation of fleet decarbonisation and alternative fuels. Evri, the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery company, handles over 720 million parcels annually. Committed to achieving net zero direct and indirect emissions by 2035. Recent efforts include trials of hydrogen and electric HGVs, expanding its electric van fleet to 168, and making 1.5 million zero-emission deliveries via e-cargo bikes. Currently, 53% of its core HGV fleet operates on Bio-CNG, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 84% compared to diesel. Sustainability achievements include a 21% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions per parcel in 2023-24 and an 18% improvement in its ESG score through the S&P Global index, placing Evri in the top 20% of the industry globally. Recognition of its responsible business practices includes winning the 2024 EcoVadis Silver Medal, ranking in the top 15% of assessed businesses.Greenplan & EPG
Greenplan & EPG are nominated for Greenplan’s route optimisation software which helps businesses cut costs, emissions, and inefficiencies in logistics. Developed with the University of Bonn and DHL, it reduces driving distances and emissions by up to 20% and costs by 30%. By analysing traffic data, time windows, and loads, Greenplan creates tailored routes that improve efficiency and achieve 99% ETA compliance, reducing environmental impact by saving up to 50 tons of CO2 annually per 100 vehicles. Its adaptable platform integrates with existing systems or operates independently, offering real-time tracking, dynamic routing, and actionable insights. Clients have seen substantial results: a shoe retailer cut costs by 7.5%, a supermarket reduced delivery tours by 15%, and a facility management firm boosted order fulfilment by 143%. Greenplan also provides strategic advice on fleet optimisation, depot planning, and CO2 tracking, empowering businesses to future-proof operations. Recognised for its innovation, Greenplan has won major awards, including first place in Amazon’s Last Mile Routing Challenge, cementing its role in sustainable logistics.Hubl Logistics
Hubl Logistics is nominated for transforming temperature-controlled food transport with its zero-emission CoolRun Pods. These pods use passive cooling technology and Phase Change Material (PCM) to maintain temperatures for up to 30 hours chilled or 15 hours frozen, eliminating the need for diesel-powered refrigeration units. This reduces emissions by over 90% and offers a more cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional refrigerated trucks. CoolRun Pods increase payload capacity by 18%, cut running costs by £8,000 annually per truck, and are compatible with existing logistics systems, including roll cages and pallet networks. The IoT-enabled tracking system provides real-time visibility of consignments, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. With several patents pending, Hubl’s technology ensures longer cooling durations, modular design, and scalability, all produced using cost-effective blow-moulding methods. Hubl’s aim is to decarbonise food logistics globally, replacing outdated systems with environmentally friendly solutions that reduce emissions and operational costs across the supply chain.Southwark Council with Grid Smarter Cities, Impact on Urban Health, Steer, Emsol & MP Smarter Travel
Southwark Council with Grid Smarter Cities, Impact on Urban Health, Steer, Emsol & MP Smarter Travel are nominated for Kerb-Dock Cross Docking Project. Kerb-Dock is designed to help logistics operators achieve NetZero strategies, enhance efficiency, and ensure the safety of delivery drivers. Piloted to explore the future of urban freight strategy, the project focuses on optimising the management of cross-docking environments to reduce road mileage and congestion. The system allows logistics operators to book designated delivery locations along the Bankside Pier, enabling the efficient use of the river for freight transport and reducing the reliance on road-based deliveries. This approach facilitates the transition to zero-carbon last-mile delivery methods, such as electric vehicles and cargo bikes, by dynamically managing urban spaces. It reduces unnecessary travel and helps businesses save time and resources, while enhancing driver safety by offering pre-booked loading slots and reducing uncertainty.Zedify
Zedify is nominated for its mission to reduce congestion and pollution through low-carbon last-mile logistics. Launched on Clean Air Day in 2018, its mission is to decarbonise urban deliveries, support the UK’s net-zero goals, and create healthier, more liveable cities. Zedify replaces diesel and electric vans with cargo bikes, which emit 80% less CO₂ per kilometre. Backed by Green Angel Syndicate and Barclays, Zedify partners with businesses like Zara, Hello Fresh, and DPD. Its vision is to expand to over 50 cities by 2026, becoming the green courier of choice. The need for solutions like Zedify’s is urgent, as last-mile delivery demand is expected to grow 78% by 2030, adding to congestion and pollution. While EVs reduce emissions, they don’t address traffic or noise. Zedify tackles these issues by using hyperlocal microhubs and zero-emission cargo bikes, supported by technology for efficient, customer-friendly deliveries. In 2023, Zedify saved 202 tonnes of CO₂e and 426kg of NOx. It launched three new hubs, partnered with major retailers, and grew its rider team to 209. Looking ahead, Zedify aims to incorporate AI for resource efficiency, expand its customer base, and reach 51 UK towns and cities by 2026.
Acclaimed Irish stand-up comedian Andrew Ryan has been announced as the special guest host of CiTTi Awards 2024. He will reveal all the winners on Tuesday November 26 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London.
The ceremony will be attended by 200 of the UK’s leading transport professionals from local, regional and central government and other place stakeholders – including landowners, developers, and business improvement districts – and their project partners, such as architects, planners, contractors, and technology companies.
Guests will be greeted with a drinks reception held in the Balmoral Suite ahead of the winners being announced within the impressive surrounds of the Grand Hall, which features arched ornate ceilings, beautiful wood-panelling and dramatic chandeliers.
November’s trophy-giving ceremony and public announcement of the winners follows a thorough and exacting shortlisting and judging process, which saw more than 20 transport industry experts evaluate written entries and Zoom-based presentations from nearly 90 organisations across 20 categories.
Tables of 10 and individual tickets can be purchased here. Each seat booked includes a ticket that grants each guest access to the pre-ceremony drinks reception, a three-course dinner, the trophy-giving presentation and invaluable networking opportunities.
Anyone is welcome to attend CiTTi Awards 2024. You do not need to be an finalist to book, so secure your place now for this year’s most exciting social event in the UK transportation sector’s calendar!
The third annual CiTTi Awards will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
