delivering projects, connections and networks and specialised knowledge on a variety of subject matters was vital. They felt that voluntary consolidation centres often only captured a minority of vehicles and often the freight sector (especially major retailers/grocers) operates efficiently without the need for support.
Whilst responses to the concept of consolidation centres were generally neutral or favourable, there was strong resistance to CUCCs. Freight operators felt it was unnecessary market intervention that would increase inefficiencies in the sector, increase costs and not meet stated environmental and social aims. The parcel sector had numerous barriers (operational, technological, financial) to working with competitors in this way and that regulation forcing these changes would represent a major deterioration in service for customers.
There were, however, specific sectors and areas where CUCCs might work (and to an extent are already in place). These include airports, those serving islands and major construction sites and the case has been proven for these by previous or current examples.
There was also support for micro consolidation/micro- hubs which are relatively small in scale and served by cycle logistics or walking deliveries. Freight operators are currently exploring this concept and see potential for further expansion.
Overall, the stakeholder consultation revealed there are significant barriers to the introduction of CUCCs and it was felt that they would not be effective other than in specific applications and otherwise represent a burden to the freight and logistics sector as well as the wider supply chain.