This module explores cargo hitching, an innovative approach to improving transport efficiency and sustainability by synergically sharing infrastructure and vehicles between passenger and freight transport. To this end the provided content aims to provide a comprehensive overview detailing its technical elements, typologies and practical applications. The key source, from which the present module is excerpted in the study developed within the GRETA D.3.3.5, to which the reader is invite to refer for further deepening.

Cargo hitching optimizes resources by leveraging existing transport infrastructure for both passenger and freight services, addressing last-mile delivery challenges in various territorial scopes. This approach reduces reliance on dedicated delivery vehicles, leading to lower emissions and congestion. It also enhances efficiency by exploiting the spare capacity of passengers’ services, thus also expanding the customer base of transport operators.
After presenting the main technical features of this concept, which is not new but still lack affirmation in ongoing and successful implementations, the GRETA study categorizes cargo hitching into three main typologies:

• industrial logistics,
• urban freight distribution and,
• non-urban freight distribution.

Each of these is characterised by specific benefits and challenges. The overall analysis is based on fifteen case studies that provide an overview of practical implementations of cargo hitching, showcasing a diverse range of contexts and strategies. These case studies present practical insights into how cargo hitching has been implemented in different situations, either successfully or not.
On the basis of the insights derived from the elements gathered, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is presented together with some practical recommendations aimed at stakeholders, policymakers and practitioners interested in adopting the cargo hitching concept.