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For several years now, the last mile has been one of the most pressing issues in logistics. There is hardly a technical discussion that does not touch on delivery concepts, urban transport or the limitations of existing infrastructure. What used to be considered a marginal issue in distribution has developed into a key challenge that combines economic, ecological and social aspects.
In an interview, Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München, describes the intensive debate on this topic at current trade events. The discussion focuses less on individual technologies and more on the question of how complex processes in cities can be better organised overall.
The central challenge of the last mile is to design delivery processes in such a way that they function efficiently and are socially acceptable at the same time. The focus is on low noise, bundled delivery and processes that are as congestion-free as possible. Especially in densely populated city centres, traditional delivery concepts quickly reach their limits. Logistics must find new ways here without jeopardising security of supply. It is clear that technical solutions alone are not enough. Electric vehicles or alternative drive concepts are one component, but they do not automatically solve problems such as space shortages or traffic congestion. The last mile is less a technical issue than a structural one.
A key point in the discussion is the involvement of local authorities. Cities and municipalities determine traffic management, loading zones, access restrictions and land use. Without their active participation, new concepts can hardly be implemented. At the same time, local authorities face the challenge of balancing economic interests with quality of life. Closely related to this is the issue of urban logistics properties. Decentralised transhipment points close to city centres are seen as a possible key to bundling delivery traffic and shortening distances. However, such locations are rare and often highly sought-after, which requires long-term planning and political decisions.
Stefan Rummel emphasises that the last mile can only work if many players work together. Manufacturers, logistics service providers, property developers and the public sector are all equally involved. This interaction is being discussed intensively on the platforms of Messe München, not as a theoretical model, but on the basis of concrete examples from cities that have already developed functioning approaches. A number of basic principles are emerging:
Another aspect is to look at cities that have already implemented viable solutions. These municipalities serve as a reference for understanding what framework conditions are necessary and where typical hurdles lie. The exchange of experiences plays a central role here, as there are no patent recipes for every city. From Messe München's perspective, it is clear that the logistics industry is fundamentally open to innovation. The last mile is no longer seen as an isolated problem, but as part of an overall urban system. The key is to develop concrete, transferable solutions from the many approaches under discussion.
The last mile remains a central issue in modern logistics. There is growing pressure to establish practicable models that are both economically viable and socially acceptable. Messe München events provide an important framework for bringing together perspectives and further developing solutions. One thing is clear: the challenge of the last mile will not be solved by a single innovation, but by coordinated concepts that combine technology, urban planning and cooperation.
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