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A new trade association, launched this week, aims to help drive the shift toward cleaner and more efficient freight in UK towns and cities, through the use of electric vehicles (EVs), cargo bikes and multimodal freight solutions.
The Sustainable Urban Freight Association (SUFA) is funded by health charity Impact on Urban Health, which allows the association to offer free membership for the first year.
The association aims to draw together freight providers of all sizes to advocate for policy changes and innovative solutions that will drive the transition to clean vehicles, with a focus on urban areas.
SUFA has 18 founding members from across the freight delivery industry, including DHL; DPD; Delivery Mates; Evri; First Mile; Hived; and Ocado.
The organization has three co-chairs from waste management firm Recorra, cargo bike operator Colchester eCargo and technology services provider Orkestro.
Kirsten Zoe Smith, Recorra net zero lead and SUFA co-chair, said: “SUFA is launching at a critical moment for the freight sector.
“Local authorities are increasingly looking at ways to reduce congestion within urban areas but the demand for delivery and services is greater than ever.
“Our network supports measures to tackle air pollution in urban areas but these must also address the systemic challenges of adopting clean vehicles.
“Our ambition is for SUFA to lead the shift towards clean freight in a way that supports businesses, protects the environment and improves daily life in our cities.”
Lee Pugh, founder of Colchester eCargo and SUFA co-chair, added: “This association has a real opportunity to speed up decarbonisation in the sector.
“SUFA is bringing together innovators across the sector who have a genuine commitment to cleaner deliveries.
“We will advocate for freight solutions which maximise efficiency including alternative modes of freight that will support operators as urban landscapes continue to evolve.
“By shifting how we move goods and services through our cities, we can build a freight system that works for people, profit and the planet.”
Edoardo del Bino, Founder of Orkestro founder and SUFA co-chair commented: “I firmly believe that better collaboration can help the sector achieve its sustainability goals.
“SUFA will enable this, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and policy interventions that will support fleet decarbonisation.
“Our collective voice will help the industry progress towards net zero, ensuring that green freight is the norm for everyone.”
