Implementing shared micro-depots in the last-mile logistics in Finland

Abstract

The purpose of this research-based bachelor’s thesis is to simplify the transition to shared micro-depots for start-up logistics companies in Finland, based on the understanding of the peculiarities of logistics in the Finnish market. While the aim is to create practical recommendations for those willing who want to switch to a new system. The implementation of the practice of introducing shared micro-depots is another step towards more sustainable and cleaner logistics. The objectives were formulated as a research question: How to make it easier for Finnish start-up logistics companies to switch to shared micro-depots in last-mile logistics? Research objects are last-mile logistics as a final step of the delivery process and micro-depots as a logistics facility. Transportation is a key component of logistics which is investigated in this paper. The companies of a foreign origin are investigated in this paper. Essential recommendations for the Finnish start-up companies which intend to adopt these experimental logistics technologies, are proposed within the framework of this work. This paper uses an empirical type of research, as new data is collected from various scientific literature sources and studies. The research methods of the thesis were a questionnaire and two structured qualitative interviews. Since the paper describes the trend of introducing shared micro-depots into the last-mile logistics, it can be argued that we also have a descriptive study in front of us. Primary research is conducted mainly in Helsinki Region. Target audience - Finnish start-up logistics companies, operating in the last-mile logistics. The results revealed that the initiative of a shared micro-depot’s introduction has not only the pitfalls, but a substantial list of benefits, such as provision of environment-friendly and cost-efficient services while implementing sustainable types of modes in the last-mile logistics delivery; growing IT development thrives in Finland, especially in Helsinki and Espoo where reaserch and development centers are located; more and more emerging opportunities and terms for route optimisation. I would like to express my gratitude to a director of operations at DSV and a head of CoDi (Collection & Distribution) at DB Schenker. I prepared a questionnaire for DSV and DB Schenker in advance, utilising a Webropol 3.0 tool in order to conduct company-focused interviews