Tips from Maastricht entrepreneurs for Zero Emission City Logistics

Carmen Hermans of Hermans Bakery - © Aron Nijs

Source: De Limburger / Offered by South Limburg Reachable

Maastricht, Venlo and Roermond are taking steps toward a cleaner future with the introduction of zero-emission zones. Maastricht from 2025, Venlo 2027 and Roermond possibly 2029. Many vans and trucks running on diesel or gasoline will then no longer be allowed in these zones just like that. Maastricht business owners are preparing with different business practices and are seeing benefits.

For supplies and services, 2600 vehicles need to be in the center of Maastricht every day. To keep the city accessible, healthy and attractive, Maastricht has chosen to introduce the zero-emission zone for City Logistics from January 1, 2025. Preparations began three years ago. To give entrepreneurs time to make the switch, there are transitional arrangements, exemptions, exemptions, subsidy schemes and tailored advice. Get inspired by these tips from Maastricht entrepreneurs.

Tip 1. Use bicycle couriers

"More efficient delivery than with a bicycle courier does not exist," says pharmacist Maud Vromen of Schoepp Pharmacy Mosa Forum. "With our branch in Maastricht's compact city center, a van for delivering medicines has never been practical. It is the reason we have used Vleugels Bicycle Couriers for many years."

Tip 2. Bundle your deliveries in city hubs

Years ago it was already a thorn in entrepreneur Léon Monfrance's side, "the roaring trucks and vans that make Maastricht clog up and ruin its beautiful and unique character." It gave him the idea of starting his own hub. Orders are no longer delivered by different suppliers to his five shoe stores, but to their own hub outside the city. There, all the shoes are sorted and prepared for transport to the city.

The Stadsbrouwerij Maastricht has been using Goods Hubs in Beatrixhaven for four years. "Because we have limited storage space ourselves, part of our stock is stored there. They bring the products to us or deliver them directly to customers," says director Bastiaan Bronkhorst. The City Brewery now also has an electric vehicle fleet.

Tip 3 and 4. Choose electric transport, plan efficiently

"From the moment we wanted to start delivering ourselves with a van, for me it had to be an electric van," says owner Carmen Hermans of Hermans Bakery. "I am very satisfied with the van I lease. Craftsmanship and sustainability are paramount throughout our operations." Owner Raymond Wintjens of fresh produce supplier 't Vitamientje has also made the move to electric leasing with 3 vans. "We also plan our trips as efficiently as possible. That saves trips, time and money and saves the environment. We also act as a hub for other suppliers and thus bundle deliveries."

Stay smart business in the zero-emission zone in Maastricht | Maastricht Bereikbaar