In the last few years, online shopping has been increasing rapidly. Optimising the sorting processes in E-fulfilment centres, combined with direct parcel delivery from the E-fulfilment centres to the close-by customers has not been widely studied in a quantitative manner. The main objective is to show whether E-fulfilment centres can generate a reduction in costs for parcel delivery.

Two models are used to calculate the cost savings by using of an E-fulfilment centre. The volume of parcels has a crucial role in the calculation (and the competitiveness) of delivery costs. The time-driven performance reaches a break-even point for the volumes that can compete with the logistics providers. The impacts of directly delivering parcels from an e-fulfilment centre to nearby customers result in lower greenhouse gas emissions.@en

This contribution proposes a future research agenda for the sustainable development of the freight corridors for the next five years. This is done by discussing three themes. i.e. (1) use of capacity, (2) lower impact modalities and (3) digitalization of the supply chain. As the corridors can be seen as the connecting lifelines of our ports and our cities (respectively distribution centres), the research topics in the agenda are quite important for the development and well-being of our future generation.@en