Utrecht's Cargohopper swaps delivery trucks for a solar-powered three-box train

In a September 2011 Fast Company article, Ben Schiller describes Utrecht's Cargohopper scheme, which began in April 2009. Many European towns restrict delivery hours or routes or charge trucks to enter the centre; Utrecht, the Netherlands' fourth largest city, went further and eliminated the trucks.

Companies leave their goods at a warehouse six miles outside the city limits. A 52-foot, solar-powered caravan of three boxes, pulled by a cab not much bigger than a golf buggy, takes them in. Backers say it suits narrow cobbled streets better than conventional light vans, leaving the roads more open to other traffic.

Utrecht-based Hoek Transport, the company behind the scheme, says it saves 5,200 gallons of diesel and 33 tons of CO2 a year. On return trips it takes back cardboard and paper, so retailers store less waste in their shops.

A consolidation warehouse outside town keeps most trucks out of the centre.

A vehicle sized to the cobbled streets leaves them open to other traffic.

Solar power cuts diesel use and emissions.

Taking back cardboard on the return leg gives the trip a second job.

Fit the vehicle to the street instead of regulating the street to suit the vehicle.

Hoek says that from April 2009 the Cargohopper delivered 102,500 packages and covered 12,375 miles; the cab-and-trailer does the job of five vans, making three trips daily. Backers call it a good example of a public-private partnership benefiting all sides.