Digital Transformation in Sustainable Urban Freight

This chapter explains how digital transformation can support sustainable urban freight. It reviews practical tools that give continuous visibility and control across the last mile, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensing, real-time platforms, predictive analytics, digital twins, and Urban Freight Control Centres (UFCC). It then examines spatial strategies such as urban consolidation centres (UCCs) and micro-hubs, and regulatory instruments like low emission and zero emission zones. The discussion shows how these elements work best as integrated packages that couple physical reconfiguration with data-informed decision-making and clear governance. Evidence from Europe and India illustrates measurable gains in reliability, emissions, and curbside performance, while also revealing limits created by fragmented responsibilities, financing gaps, and data rights concerns. Case studies from London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Delhi highlight different sequencing pathways and the enabling role of incentives, charging infrastructure, and public–private partnerships. The chapter concludes with practical guidance for policy and implementation, stressing institutional capacity, performance tracking, and inclusive transition support for smaller operators. Overall, digitalization, consolidation, and targeted regulation together offer a realistic route to cleaner and more efficient city logistics.