Online marketplace for goods delivery optimises journeys
With same-day short-distance delivery of goods, only 40 % of vehicle cargo capacity is used. Some vehicles are driving half empty, often returning to base completely empty. This is bad for the finances of transportation companies and consumers, who often bear the cost. It is also detrimental to the environment, with CO2 emissions from high fuel consumption. The EU-supported DLIVER project has developed the world’s first machine learning marketplace that matches the real-time supply and demand of delivery services. The DLIVER Group tested a beta test version of their platform with 60 drivers around Copenhagen. Results showed that adopting their solution increased daily deliveries per driver by over 12 % on average and reduced daily fuel consumption per vehicle by over 10 % on average.
An adaptable system for emergencies
EU SME Phase 1 funding enabled the team to complete a feasibility study and enhanced business plan with the aim, subject to securing further funding, of launching worldwide in 2021. However, in response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the team are now working on an AI Healthcare Cloud-based platform that could help healthcare professionals overcome logistical bottlenecks for the supply of medicines and equipment. They are developing ways for ordinary vehicles, certified by DLIVER under the supervision of healthcare authorities, to transport medical products with the necessary environment controls such as temperature and humidity. The data relating to environmental controls will be transmitted between vehicles and data hubs for reporting and to monitor problems in the handling of medical goods. If the environment does not meet the needs, an alarm is triggered. “The technology’s predictive algorithm could help healthcare providers during medical emergencies, such as COVID-19, plan for the optimal allocation of resources and so support real-time decision-making,” says Allan Valentin Hansen, project coordinator.
Real-time online delivery marketplace
Most transportation companies don’t have enough bookings from their client base to maximise vehicle carrying capacity. While it would make sense to sell the remaining capacity, many companies still use basic manual spreadsheets to monitor operations, which cannot dynamically capture opportunities. The DLIVER solution was to create an online marketplace, available on iOS, Android and the web, for goods transportation. Proprietary machine learning algorithms match platform users wishing to send goods to the spare capacity on pre-existing journeys, indicated on a map. Available carriers can quote instantly, and senders can then negotiate a one-time price with them. A subscription model is foreseen for the future. Senders, typically small and medium-sized goods companies, benefit from having a simple solution for finding a trusted and qualified carrier based on price, ratings and timing, without having to invest in their own logistics. The negotiated pricing model also gives them more control over their competitiveness. Transportation companies can make more deliveries with fewer vehicles, reducing their fuel and maintenance overheads, ultimately benefitting consumers and the environment. DLIVER also gives them access to a wider customer base than they might otherwise have.
Expanded marketplace
DLIVER’s feasibility study and pilot projects have indicated that as well as being of interest to business and healthcare, their delivery solution could also benefit specialised industries such as construction, and food and beverage. “We are unique. Other platforms which showcase fleets of vehicles bookable for deliveries, are usually just transportation companies taking online orders. What we offer is an intelligent and dynamic delivery system,” says Hansen.
Keywords
DLIVER, deliveries, transport, cargo, load capacity, logistical, COVID-19, goods, journeys, vehicles, emissions
