A new architecture for global logistics
Physical Internet
An open, interoperable and sustainable vision to transform the way goods, nodes, infrastructures and data connect across logistics chains.
From the Internet of data to the Internet of goods
The Physical Internet applies to physical logistics some of the principles that made the digital Internet scalable: common standards, interoperability, routing, open access to networks and the ability to make different systems communicate.
In this vision, goods no longer move within closed and fragmented chains, but within a system of connected logistics networks where containers, hubs, vehicles, operators and digital platforms can cooperate according to shared rules.
The answer to logistics fragmentation
Many logistics networks are still organized in silos: separate operators, vehicles that are not always fully loaded, non-interoperable nodes, data that is difficult to share and high integration costs. The result is a loss of economic, environmental and operational efficiency.
Interoperability
Common standards allow different nodes, vehicles, information systems and operators to interact without requiring different proprietary integrations each time.
Consolidation
Sharing capacity, infrastructure and services helps reduce empty trips, duplication and underuse of logistics assets.
Lower impact
Optimized routing, multimodal networks and shared resources can help reduce congestion, energy consumption and emissions.
Modular containers, smart nodes and shared protocols
In the Physical Internet, the logistics unit becomes similar to a digital “packet”: a standardized, identifiable, traceable unit that can be moved across different networks. This is where the concept of π-container: modular and intelligent containers designed to protect goods and simplify handling, storage, transport and routing.
The value is not only in the container, but in the network: digitally accessible logistics nodes, information protocols, operating rules, common interfaces and shared governance.
π-container
Modular, standardized and monitorable units.
PI Nodes
Hubs, terminals and warehouses made interoperable.
PI Networks
Connected and accessible logistics networks.
PI Norm
Common procedures, specifications and protocols.
From logistics nodes to Physical Internet nodes
The European vision, developed within ALICE, interprets the Physical Internet as a system of systems: logistics nodes, networks, operators, infrastructures and digital platforms progressively evolving towards common standards, visible and accessible services, governance and collaboration.
The core areas of the roadmap include the evolution of logistics nodes into PI nodes, the transformation of logistics networks into PI networks, interconnection between networks, operator access and adoption, and the governance needed to make the system reliable.
Value distributed across companies, cities and infrastructures
The Physical Internet is not only relevant to carriers. It involves shippers, logistics operators, technology platforms, infrastructures, territories and public administrations.
For shippers
Broader access to available capacity, more predictable services and greater measurability of logistics and environmental performance.
For logistics operators
Better use of assets, opportunities for collaboration across multimodal networks and reduced operational waste.
For cities and territories
Reduced congestion, better organization of the last mile and the possibility of integrating pickup points, urban hubs and shared solutions.
For technology
Growing demand for real-time data, digital identification, interoperability, orchestration platforms and validation systems.
Why the Physical Internet is central to CRPP
CRPP adopts the Physical Internet as a scientific and industrial framework for studying the next generation of sustainable logistics. Our aim is to contribute to the development of models, infrastructures and tools capable of making physical freight flows more intelligent.
Applied research
Analysis of infrastructure models, interoperable standards, adoption scenarios and environmental impacts.
Pipe§Net
Study of a possible infrastructure dedicated to the automated and continuous transport of light and standardized goods.
Data validation
Development of metrics and verification systems to measure sustainability, efficiency and reliability in logistics processes.
Essential sources
This page summarizes institutional, scientific and informative sources on the Physical Internet, avoiding unverifiable claims and maintaining wording suitable for an institutional website.
Physical Internet Europe / IKIGAI
ALICE / ETP Logistics
FIT Consulting
From paradigm to infrastructure design
Pipe§Net emerges within this vision: exploring how dedicated physical networks, data, automation and validation can contribute to the next generation of sustainable logistics.