In the delivery sector, we’re constantly tackling challenges tied to the high demand for curb space, a situation amplified by the surge in e-commerce. The Last Mile Challenges Report highlights the acute shortage of loading zones, a major bottleneck in the delivery process, and the negative impact on delivery delays and double-parking. While some local government strategies aim to enhance loading zone accessibility, the rapid growth in deliveries outpaces infrastructure enhancements – requiring delivery services to adapt in the face of increased demand for the curb.
Looking at New York City, specifically, we analyzed citizen reports of double-parking, parking in bike lanes, and other obstructions and determined the nearest loading zones and parking availability near those zones, highlighting specific use-cases delivery services can use to deliver goods more effectively.
Innovative solutions like predictive parking availability tools offer a glimpse into how technology can mitigate these challenges, emphasizing the need for the delivery industry to adapt by using data and tech more efficiently, leveraging smart technology to streamline operations to improve service quality and reduce the environmental impact.
In the realm of urban logistics, studies have shown that coupling dynamic routing with parking locations and availability can reap immediate operational savings in urban environments where parking is scarce. The INRIX Smart Delivery Suite provides this by integrating those data points with real-time AI Traffic, both planned and unplanned road incidents and closures, and more than 14 years of historical traffic data. By integrating advanced analytics and real-time data, the delivery industry can navigate the challenges of increased demand more effectively, showcasing the power of innovation in addressing complex logistical hurdles.