Macro Consolidation
Exploring innovative and efficient methods for delivering goods in the Solent area to help make deliveries cleaner, greener and more efficient.
The Aim
Macro consolidation involves grouping goods at a single warehouse (a regional distribution centre) to reduce the number of vehicles delivering to nearby towns and cities.. This means that items can be grouped and then delivered in one go, instead of lots of different delivery vehicles having to make multiple trips around the local area. This is shown in the diagram on the right.
Macro consolidation helps:
- the environment by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
- businesses by making their deliveries more predictable and efficient.
- make quieter streets – fewer vans and lorries travelling on residential roads and high streets.
- improve air quality and reduce noise pollution due to fewer vehicles on the road.
Key Information
We’ve been working with Meachers Global Logistics (MGL) and Southampton City Council to review how macro consolidation is currently being done at the Southampton Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC) and look at whether this model could be expanded.
Working with the University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton, we’ve been studying existing delivery data across the whole Solent area to understand the major delivery routes and assess where else macro consolidation could be trialled.
We have also been engaging with local businesses that could benefit from running their deliveries differently and researching sustainable logistics opportunities in Portsmouth and other locations around the Solent area.
Research
For all the research and reports associated with this project, click below.