Omniva, an international technology and logistics group, has opened its first MicroHUB in Tallinn. The facility is a specially adapted container equipped with security systems and placed within a courier’s delivery area, according to the company.
The aim is to reduce van journeys in Tallinn. Couriers can collect additional parcels during their rounds rather than making a lengthy return trip to a sorting centre. Omniva said this would allow more cargo bikes to be used for parcel deliveries instead of vans.
Pilot results due within a month
The first results from the MicroHUB are expected within a month and will inform the next steps. In the next phase, Omniva plans to test parcel collection from the MicroHUB with Crowd Delivery couriers.
If the pilot proves successful, the company intends to introduce more MicroHUBs in Tallinn and a similar solution in Riga, Vilnius and Kaunas.
Company expects time savings
Hannes Falten, head of delivery innovation at Omniva, said initial estimates suggest a MicroHUB could save each courier up to three hours a day and allow them to serve around 20 additional customers.
Falten described the approach as an opportunity to handle growing parcel volumes without putting more vans on city streets. He said Omniva wants to move towards smarter logistics with a smaller environmental footprint.
The first MicroHUB also has a creative element: its exterior was painted by street artist S-Boy’s team. Omniva said the artwork is intended to bring more colour and character to the neighbourhood and give passers-by something worth stopping to look at.
The MicroHUB is intended to serve as a local reloading point during a courier’s rounds. Its effect on van journeys and cargo-bike use will be assessed through the pilot’s first results.