Ever find yourself circling your warehouse in frustration, searching for a parked van for your next delivery? Maybe you’re a small business owner with an online store, lost in a sea of logistical options for efficient deliveries. Well, meet MaaS, the game-changing concept that’s revolutionizing the way we think about getting goods where they need to go.

What is MaaS?

MaaS, or Mobility as a Service, is an innovative approach to transportation that offers users an integrated and flexible way to get around. Imagine it as a one-stop shop for all your transport needs. MaaS platforms combine various services like public transport, bike-sharing, scooter rentals, and even taxis, all into a single, user-friendly app. This way, instead of juggling ten different apps and providers, you can plan, book, and pay for your journey – be it business or personal – through a simple and intuitive interface.

MaaS in the Delivery Industry

MaaS is tailor-made for the delivery industry. Its inherent flexibility allows delivery companies to optimize routes, reduce costs, and improve delivery efficiency. Couriers are no longer tied down to a single van or a fixed route. With MaaS, they can choose from various transport options depending on the size of the package, urgency of delivery, and location.

Benefits of MaaS for Delivery:

• Reduced Costs: MaaS eliminates the need for company-owned vans and their maintenance, along with fuel and insurance expenses. In urban areas, where deliveries are typically smaller and shorter-distance, using bikes or cargo scooters can be significantly cheaper than maintaining a fleet of vans.
• Increased Efficiency: Couriers can choose the fastest and most convenient mode of transport for each delivery. For urgent, central-city deliveries, a bike might be the best option. For larger packages on the outskirts, a van might still be the way to go. With MaaS, couriers aren’t restricted to one vehicle and can respond to delivery needs in real-time.
• Scalability: MaaS allows companies to scale their operations up or down as needed. During peak seasons like Black Friday, when orders are at their highest, companies can easily hire additional couriers and vehicles through the MaaS platform. In slower periods, they can rely on a smaller number of bike-riding couriers, optimizing costs.
• Reduced Emissions: MaaS promotes the use of alternative modes of transport like bikes and electric vehicles, contributing to a cleaner environment. By reducing the number of vans on the road, MaaS automatically cuts down on CO2 emissions and traffic congestion in cities.

Downsides of MaaS for Delivery:

While MaaS offers a multitude of benefits for delivery companies, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Availability Dependence: Not all transport options are created equal. The availability of certain MaaS options, like cycling or scooters, can be heavily influenced by weather conditions. A sudden downpour or freezing temperatures can significantly limit the feasibility of bike deliveries. Similarly, the lack of cargo bikes or scooters in specific areas can restrict the flexibility MaaS offers.
• Control: By relying on MaaS platforms, delivery companies cede some control over the delivery process. Traditionally, companies have their own fleet of vans and dedicated couriers, allowing for close monitoring of deliveries and ensuring adherence to specific protocols. With MaaS, deliveries are entrusted to independent couriers using the platform, potentially leading to concerns about package handling, delivery times, and brand representation.
• Standardization and Quality: MaaS platforms connect delivery companies with a diverse pool of couriers. While this can be advantageous, it can also lead to inconsistency in service quality. Companies may have less control over the training and experience of couriers using the platform, potentially impacting the overall customer experience.
• Data Security and Privacy: MaaS platforms collect a significant amount of data, including delivery routes, customer information, and courier locations. Delivery companies need to ensure that MaaS platforms have robust data security measures in place to protect sensitive information.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating a MaaS solution into existing delivery operations can be complex. Companies may need to adjust their workflow and communication processes to adapt to the new system. Additionally, ensuring seamless data exchange between the MaaS platform and the company’s internal systems can present technical challenges.

Despite these downsides, MaaS offers a compelling solution for delivery companies seeking to optimize costs, improve efficiency, and reduce their environmental impact. By carefully considering the benefits and drawbacks, and by implementing MaaS strategically, delivery companies can leverage this innovative concept to gain a competitive edge.

MaaS in Practice: Big Players and New Entrants

The MaaS concept is not just a futuristic vision; it’s already being implemented by major players in the transportation and logistics industries. Companies like Uber and Lyft have expanded their services beyond ride-hailing to include bike-sharing and scooter rentals, all integrated into their existing apps. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway operator, offers a MaaS app called DB Navigator that combines train, bus, and tram schedules with bike-sharing and car-sharing options.

New startups are also emerging, specifically targeting the delivery sector with MaaS solutions. Chauffeur Privé, a French ride-hailing company, has launched a service called Chronopost that utilizes couriers on bikes, scooters, and foot to deliver packages within city centers. Flit Technologies in the UK offers a similar service, partnering with local couriers to provide eco-friendly and efficient last-mile deliveries.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Real-World Example

Let’s consider a small online clothing store that typically makes around 50 deliveries per day, mostly within the city center. Currently, they rely on two company-owned vans, each with an average fuel cost of €100 per day and a monthly maintenance fee of €50.

Switching to a MaaS solution could significantly reduce their expenses. By using a combination of bikes, cargo scooters, and occasional van deliveries for larger items, they could potentially cut their daily fuel costs to €50 and eliminate the van maintenance fees altogether. Additionally, MaaS platforms often offer volume discounts, further reducing costs for businesses with frequent deliveries.

MaaS and Electric Vehicles: A Greener Future

The MaaS concept perfectly aligns with the growing trend of electric vehicles (EVs). By promoting the use of bikes, scooters, and EVs, MaaS can play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in cities. As EV technology continues to advance and battery costs decrease, we can expect to see an even greater integration of EVs into MaaS platforms.

MaaS in Europe, America, and Asia: Regional Differences

The adoption of MaaS is gaining momentum worldwide, but there are regional variations in its implementation and acceptance. In Europe, cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Oslo have been at the forefront of MaaS adoption, driven by strong government support and a culture of cycling and public transport usage.

In the United States, MaaS is still in its early stages, with major cities like New York and San Francisco piloting MaaS programs and exploring partnerships between public transit agencies and private transportation providers.

Asia is a diverse market for MaaS, with China leading the way in terms of technological innovation and adoption. Superapps like WeChat and Alipay have integrated MaaS services into their platforms, offering users a seamless experience for booking various modes of transport.

MaaS in Southeast Europe: Emerging Trends

Southeast Europe is a promising region for MaaS adoption, with several countries demonstrating a willingness to embrace new technologies and improve urban mobility. Cities like Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Zagreb are implementing MaaS pilot projects, integrating public transport, bike-sharing, and car-sharing options into single apps.

Local startups are also emerging, catering to the specific needs of the Southeast European market. Adriatic Rides in Croatia offers a MaaS app that combines public transport, taxis, and car-sharing, while Green Mobility in Serbia provides a bike-sharing service with plans to expand into other MaaS options. And don’t forget Zoverp, which has ambitious plans to enter this market.

The Future of MaaS: Connected to Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

The future of MaaS is intertwined with the development of electric and autonomous vehicles (AVs). As AVs become more sophisticated and affordable, they are expected to play an increasingly significant role in MaaS platforms. Imagine a future where you summon an autonomous pod that can take you from your doorstep to your office, seamlessly integrating with public transport, bike-sharing, and other MaaS options.

MaaS is not just a buzzword; it’s a transformative concept that is revolutionizing the way we think about urban mobility and delivery. With its focus on efficiency, sustainability, and user convenience, MaaS is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of transportation.

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll delve deeper into the world of electric and autonomous vehicles and their impact on the MaaS landscape.