A parcel service providers uses an inner-city transhipment point with micro-depots operated by a neutral provider, the “Berliner Hafen- und Lagerhausgesellschaft mbH” (BEHALA), at the Westhafen port. The microhub is, for reasons of simplicity and low costs, comprised of shipping containers. The containers are used as short-time storage and transhipment point for the last few kilometers of shipment, for the delivery with the company’s own cargo bikes. 

The central location of the Westhafen port is especially well suited as a location for a microhub for a number of reasons:  

• First and foremost, the Berlin Westhafen is located centrally in Berlin, close to the city center and in close vicinity to a densely built-up area with a large number of dwellings and businesses. 

• The Westhafen is publicly owned (by the public owned company BEHALA), making it a neutral location for a private logistics provider.  

• The Westhafen, as any port is also a specialised logistic area, with connections to other transport modes and equipment and facilities for transhipment and storage. 

The micro-depot is the central starting point for deliveries to the surrounding delivery area. The parcel provider acts independently and within his delivery system – from the morning delivery of the shipments to the micro-depots, through interim storage, to the subsequent delivery to the end customer. The parcel service provider delivers daily and locally emission-free to business and private customers in the vicinity of the micro depot.