Source: Zag Daily

Cities around the world are increasingly plagued by traffic congestion and air pollution caused by traditional urban freight systems. As the need to rethink logistics grows urgent, a new UK-based organisation has emerged: the Sustainable Urban Freight Association, has been established to challenge outdated logistics systems, showcase the commercial viability of green delivery, and advocate for decarbonised freight solutions nationwide.

Why SUFA was founded

The freight industry has long depended on polluting diesel fleets. While alternatives like electric vans and e-cargo bikes exist, their wider adoption has been held back by policy gaps, lack of visibility, and fragmented efforts.

SUFA brings together 18 founding members—from local operators like Delivery Mates to global names like DHL—to build a united front. Their goal is to share knowledge, raise the industry’s collective voice, and embed sustainability at the core of urban logistics.

Funding comes from Impact on Urban Health, a London-based nonprofit. Portfolio Manager Amandeep Kellay explains the need for SUFA:

“Freight is the backbone of our economy. But our systems of freight are broken and in urgent need of modernisation, in urban areas, air pollution disproportionately affects groups including racialised communities, people in lower income areas and children. We believe SUFA’s work to modernise freight will make our towns and cities safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow.”

Strategic support will be provided by Purpose Union, with Associate Director Tom Hunt noting SUFA’s mission is to promote clean, reliable freight systems that integrate seamlessly into urban life.

Giving sustainable freight a voice in policy

Kevin Savage, COO of Delivery Mates, sees SUFA as a powerful way to push sustainable logistics into the mainstream:

“Large organisations with large infrastructure are not catching up at the speed that they should be. In comparison, there’s a lot of small and medium sized operators out there that have learned how to cleanly deliver in cities right across the UK, not just in London.”

While smaller firms were forced to evolve quickly under ULEZ and Clean Air Zones, they often lack representation in national policymaking.

“Delivery Mates doesn’t have much of a seat at the table with the Department for Transport because we’re a smaller operator. But DHL does, and so do the other larger operators. By joining together as part of SUFA, we’ll have a louder voice at the policy table when it comes to lobbying for sustainable logistics.” says Savage.

Collaboration over competition

SUFA brings together companies of all sizes, with the diversity fostering cross-learning and mutual growth.

Savage explains, “Smaller operators can take the best practices from these larger players to scale, whilst larger companies can go even further by learning directly from long-standing zero emission operators”.

Collaboration could also lower barriers with insurers, where understanding of cargo bike operations remains limited.

“Cargo bikes and cycling is not very understood by insurers and underwriters. Together, we can make a better representation to underwriters than we could individually.” adds Savage.

Sustainability and profitability: Not a trade-off

One of SUFA’s key goals is to prove that green logistics is commercially viable. SUFA member Delivery Mates delivered nearly 3 million parcels in 2024, increasing volume by 36% while cutting total mileage by 45%—optimising routes and reducing costs.

“We want to change the narrative around sustainable urban deliveries, proving that it’s a model that can be both commercially and environmentally sustainable.” concludes Savage.

Looking ahead: SUFA’s next steps

In its first year, SUFA is free to join, and the organisation is already working with policymakers on policy reforms, with efforts including:

• Proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street in London
• Contributions to Transport for London’s Sustainable Freight Strategy
• Engagement around insurance reform and congestion charge exemptions for EVs

“Our aims for the first year are small but mighty, we want to deliver quick policy wins, such as making sure the impending congestion charge on EVs in London doesn’t reverse progress on decarbonising transport.” says Hunt.

Looking further ahead, SUFA may introduce a subscription model, but its immediate focus is on action, inclusion, and visibility, giving many clean freight operators the platform they’ve long lacked.

As cities increasingly call for faster, cleaner, and more responsible delivery solutions, SUFA has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of freight transport by driving progress toward a more sustainable and efficient urban logistics system.