ELMO (Efficiency in Last-Mile Operations through physical standardization and improved consolidation strategies)

ELMO is an extension of the urban logistics theme within TNO's Logistics for Efficiency and SuStainability (hereafter LESS) programme. This programme aims to positively influence the sustainability and efficiency of the last-mile by maximising the effect of logistics concepts in relation to relevant policy objectives within the spatial environment. Together with the Top Sector Logistics, living labs such as CILOLAB and CILOLAB 2 have also been developed from this programme.
This project fleshes out a number of relevant knowledge questions arising from cooperation with private (such as transporters, real estate developers and providers of vehicles, energy & charging infrastructure and fleet management) and public partners within LESS but not yet secured in a project. The ELMO proposal includes an elaboration of an extension to a taxonomy for urban logistics flows - focusing on dwell time (relevant for relationship with spatial policy), research focused on physical standardisation aspects of last-mile products and research on last-mile consolidation strategies. Specifically, ELMO's activities are grouped into three work packages:

1. Investigate logistic stops as part of taxonomy of logistic flows (now, control is mostly based on vehicle movements, and only limited or no control on stop time, while that is most relevant in the spatial context - and the nuisance)
2. Research equipment: standard loading unit / container and possibility for battery swaps
3. Research urban logistics consolidation strategy

To conclude, these topics come from advancing insight from research and activities within TNO's LESS programme.