The TRACE project is pleased to announce the publication of its new “Guidelines for Public Authorities on Synchromodal and Shared Logistics and Autonomous Delivery”, a practical non-technical brochure designed to support policymakers and public authorities in fostering more sustainable, collaborative and intelligent urban logistics systems.

Developed as part of the TRACE project, the brochure translates the project’s socio-economic research and pilot experience into practical recommendations that can help public authorities facilitate the deployment of innovative logistics solutions across Europe.

Urban freight transport continues to face significant challenges, including duplicated deliveries, underutilised transport capacity, congestion and increasing environmental impacts. TRACE addresses these challenges through a collaborative logistics platform that enables synchromodal transport, shared logistics operations and the integration of emerging autonomous delivery technologies. Building on the lessons learned from demonstrations in Greece, Italy and Slovenia, the new guidelines provide practical policy recommendations for supporting the transition towards greener and more efficient logistics.

The publication presents 14 evidence-based guidelines, organised into three thematic areas:

• Synchromodal and Shared Logistics, focusing on collaborative logistics platforms, governance models, SME participation, transparent benefit-sharing and urban consolidation centres.
• Autonomous Delivery, addressing regulatory sandboxes, mixed-fleet deployment, workforce transition, infrastructure planning and support for innovation uptake.
• Cross-cutting Guidelines, covering social inclusion, impact monitoring, stakeholder coordination, cybersecurity, AI governance and data protection.

Each guideline provides:

• a clear recommendation for public authorities;
• the rationale behind the recommendation;
• implementation priorities, effort and expected timeframe;
• the appropriate level of public authority responsible for implementation;
• supporting insights generated through the TRACE project and relevant European policy frameworks.

The brochure is intended primarily for local, regional, national and European policymakers, helping them understand how funding mechanisms, procurement practices, regulatory measures and public-space management can accelerate the adoption of collaborative logistics and autonomous mobility solutions.

By translating technical project results into practical guidance, TRACE aims to support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to the wider deployment of sustainable, resilient and digitally enabled freight transport systems across Europe.

The Guidelines for Public Authorities on Synchromodal and Shared Logistics and Autonomous Delivery are now available through the TRACE communication channels and represent one of the project’s key knowledge transfer outputs, ensuring that the results of TRACE continue to support future policy development beyond the project’s lifetime.

Click: Guidelines for Public Authorities on Synchromodal and Shared Logistics and Autonomous Delivery