In the German city of Schwerin, Deutsche Post DHL has started using customised trams for the distribution of parcels. With electric trucks and bikes doing the first and final mile, this newly developed supply chain should be as green as it can be for the delivery of cargo in the city.

The project is a pilot of Deutsche Post DHL. It is using the three-section Flexity tram produced by Bombardier Transportation, but somewhat customised to be suitable for cargo transportation. The seats in the middle car were removed, and a special schedule was developed for the trip with three stops on the way.

Truck, tram and e-bike

The parcels are delivered to the tram depot by StreetScooter electric trucks, where they are loaded into wheeled containers. At the delivery points they are picked up by electric cargo bikes. Deutsche Post DHL claims to be able to deliver around 450 parcels a day this way.

The transport of cargo by tram is not new in Germany. The cities of Bremen, Hannover and Dresden have all seen similar projects. Over the years, the concept has also been studied and tested in other European cities such as Zurich, Amsterdam and London.