Portsmouth has launched its first Micro Logistics Hub, a milestone in sustainable urban delivery that promises to transform last-mile logistics for both businesses and residents. This innovative hub, financed by the Solent Future Transport Zone programme, developed by Decarbon Logistics Solutions in partnership with Portsmouth City Council as the site owner and Delivery Mates as the operator, consolidates deliveries at a single location before parcels are redistributed by electric cargo cycles, directly addressing congestion and air quality challenges in the city.
The Benefits of Last-Mile Hubs
Last-mile delivery—the final step in the supply chain from the distribution center to the customer—is widely recognised as the most critical and costly phase of logistics. Micro logistics hubs, like Portsmouth’s, bring several key advantages:
- Faster Delivery Times: By positioning hubs closer to consumers, businesses can fulfill orders more quickly, meeting the rising demand for same-day and next-day delivery.
- Reduced Shipping Costs: Shorter delivery routes means potentially lower transportation expenses and a smaller carbon footprint, supporting both business efficiency and environmental goals.
- Improved Urban Quality of Life: By shifting deliveries from vans to cargo bikes, micro hubs help reduce traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution, making urban areas more livable and healthier for residents.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Efficient last-mile management leads to higher customer satisfaction, loyalty, and a stronger reputation for logistics providers.
- Better Inventory Management: Micro warehousing allows for real-time inventory tracking and minimises stockouts, ensuring products are available where and when they’re needed.
Decarbon Logistics Solutions: Expert Site Selection, Design, and Ongoing Management
Decarbon Logistics Solutions, a Volofleet Portfolio Company, played a pivotal role in the success of Portsmouth’s hub. Drawing on extensive experience in urban logistics, Decarbon Logistics expertly managed the entire process—from site search and qualification to hub design, build, operator engagement and ongoing management. Their approach ensures that logistics businesses benefit from:
- Strategic Site Selection: Using advanced criteria to identify locations that maximise delivery efficiency, operational suitability, and accessibility for logistics businesses.
- Leading Health, Safety, and Charging Standards: Designing and building hubs with robust health and safety protocols, state-of-the-art battery charging for electric cargo cycles, and comprehensive security and monitoring systems.
- Ongoing Hub Management: Streamlining daily operation oversight, Decarbon Logistics Solutions saves landlords significant time and money by handling all aspects of hub management, from safety compliance to operational procedures and optimisation.
- Sustainable Urban Impact: By facilitating the adoption of low-emission delivery vehicles and optimising use of council assets, Decarbon Logistics is helping cities meet clean air targets while supporting local businesses.
What the partners said
Councillor Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted the community benefits:
“This innovative hub is a positive step for Portsmouth, especially in our busy city centre. Cleaner, greener deliveries will make a real difference for residents and businesses”.
Paul McCormack, CEO of Decarbon Logistics Solutions, highlights the benefits of bringing independent specialist know-how to these kinds of projects:
“We’re proud to deliver Portsmouth’s first micro logistics hub, combining expertise in site qualification, design, and management. Our collaboration ensures a safe, efficient, and sustainable facility that saves landlords time and money while benefiting the city with cleaner, smarter logistics.”
Kevin Savage, CEO of Delivery Mates, the hub’s operator, emphasised the operational and environmental impact:
“We’re excited to bring our proven expertise in sustainable logistics to Portsmouth, delivering real benefits for the city’s people and environment”,
As the trial progresses, the hub’s performance will be closely monitored by local universities, with results informing future urban logistics planning and demonstrating the scalable benefits of expertly managed last-mile hubs.
Find out more about the Solent Transport Future Transport Zone micro consolidation project here.
