Jinan logistics "last mile" needs to be accelerated

　　On December 26, 2012, the State Council's executive meeting studied and determined 10 policy measures to reduce circulation costs. This is the second time since August of last year that the State Council's executive meeting has specifically discussed circulation issues. The determination of the state to deepen the reform of the circulation system and accelerate the development of the circulation industry can be seen from this.

　　Analysts believe that among the many difficulties faced by the circulation industry, the "last mile" problem in urban logistics distribution seriously troubles the logistics industry. "Vendors need to go to the wholesale market to pick up 200 pounds of vegetables; a mall delivers appliances to consumers, running around the city from morning till night..." An authoritative figure in the logistics industry commented on the current state of logistics distribution in various cities.

　　Secondary handling increases circulation costs.

　　"The 'last mile' is the most troublesome, with the required costs accounting for about half of the total transportation costs," said a staff member from the Jinan road transport authority. Trucks over 2 tons are generally not allowed to travel on urban roads, and many large trucks carrying dozens of tons of goods must switch to smaller vehicles at certain points when entering the city from the suburbs, which significantly increases the secondary handling costs and greatly raises circulation costs.

　　Difficulties in traveling and parking have troubled many vehicles delivering goods into the city. A truck driver who has been delivering fresh food to supermarkets for years said that these foods have very strict requirements for delivery time, but the condition of urban roads is very troublesome for him. "When I encounter traffic jams, I can't get into the warehouse for half a day, and if I miss the point, the day's work is wasted." Besides driving, parking is also a big problem. Without suitable parking spaces, some trucks are forced to park on the roadside, and fines have become a common occurrence.

　　Logistics vehicle standards are expected to be implemented this year.

　　He Minai, a professor of transportation and logistics engineering at Shandong Jiaotong University, believes that solving the "last mile" problem in the logistics industry is a systematic project, involving urban logistics supporting planning, urban traffic management methods, and the standardized development of the logistics industry. From the current situation, although the state has made many efforts, it is still constrained by reality and will take time to digest the policies.

　　Regarding the difficulties of trucks entering the city that restrict logistics distribution, He Minai revealed that China is considering formulating vehicle standards for the logistics industry, which is expected to be implemented this year. A batch of logistics delivery vehicles that meet the standard will be allowed to enter the city during the day, which may help create a more favorable development space for the logistics industry and alleviate the situation of the "last mile" obstructing the logistics chain to some extent.

　　Some experts also pointed out that solving the "last mile" problem requires joint efforts from multiple departments. The logistics industry itself faces a situation of "multiple authorities managing water," with various departments such as transportation, public security, industry and commerce, taxation, safety supervision, and land resources each bearing their own management functions. The effectiveness of coordination and cooperation has become a key factor affecting the healthy development of the logistics industry.