Meet DHL
DHL is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, providing international delivery, freight transportation, supply chain management and e-commerce solutions. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, DHL continuously develops new approaches to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of logistics operations. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, DHL supports the transition towards smarter and more resilient urban mobility systems. Within the DELPHI project, DHL contributes its expertise in urban logistics and intermodal freight solutions, helping to explore how existing transport infrastructures and digital ecosystems can be leveraged to create more sustainable and efficient city logistics models.
Can you provide an overview of your role and involvement in the DELPHI project?
DHL contributes to DELPHI by bringing its expertise in urban logistics and sustainable last-mile operations. In the Madrid pilot, DHL has collaborated with Metro de Madrid and KOIKI to assess how passenger transport infrastructure can support innovative freight distribution schemes.
Following the execution of the pilot activities, DHL has contributed to evaluating operational feasibility, identifying business opportunities and analysing the environmental and operational impacts of integrated passenger and freight mobility. The experience has provided valuable insights into stakeholder coordination, service reliability and the conditions required to scale these solutions.
What were the main operational challenges encountered during the Madrid pilot?
One of the main challenges was coordinating different operational environments and connecting information flows between stakeholders. Passenger transport operators and logistics companies rely on independent processes and legacy IT systems designed for their own needs.
The pilot showed that successful integration requires not only physical collaboration but also digital interoperability. DHL, Metro de Madrid and KOIKI worked together to understand how data generated by each stakeholder could be exchanged efficiently and securely. This demonstrated that data sharing and interoperability are essential enablers for integrated mobility solutions.
What lessons have been learned regarding the scalability of these solutions?
The pilot demonstrated that scalability depends not only on operational feasibility but also on creating a common ecosystem connecting multiple actors. Existing systems and processes cannot simply be replaced.
One of the key lessons learned is that interoperability is more important than imposing a single platform. Future solutions must enable different systems to communicate while allowing stakeholders to retain control over their own operations and data. DELPHI’s federated approach provides a promising framework for achieving this objective and supporting replication in other cities.
How do you envision the future of integrated passenger and freight mobility?
DHL believes that the future of urban mobility lies in interconnected ecosystems rather than isolated transport networks. Existing infrastructures represent valuable assets, but unlocking their potential requires trusted data exchange and seamless integration between public transport operators, logistics providers and local authorities.
Future mobility ecosystems will rely on federated digital architectures capable of integrating legacy systems instead of replacing them. The lessons learned from the Madrid pilot demonstrate that interoperability, collaboration and data sharing will be fundamental to building more resilient and sustainable urban logistics systems across Europe.
Anything else you would like to mention or highlight?
The Madrid pilot has demonstrated the value of collaboration between public and private stakeholders. DHL highly appreciates the cooperation with Metro de Madrid and KOIKI, whose complementary expertise has been instrumental in testing innovative concepts under real operating conditions.
Beyond technology, DELPHI highlights the importance of ecosystem collaboration and trusted data exchange. The knowledge generated throughout the project will contribute to the development of scalable and sustainable mobility solutions for European cities.
