The scarcity of resources is one of the main concerns for the present and the future of the environment and society. The “load factor” in logistic transport has great potential for improvement, especially in the last-mile deliveries, as the transport of goods is largely fragmented between several small companies using small vehicles. This doctoral thesis investigates the potential for collaboration to increase efficiency in urban logistics. The research proposes the development of a conceptual framework able to describe the governance patterns that rule different horizontal collaborative strategies. This framework seeks to support companies in deciding which style of governance best fits their business model. This investigation is based on a mixed strategy of research, using qualitative and quantitative data obtained through case studies.