Abstract
The distribution of goods in crowded city centers is a major challenge. In this paper, we propose a methodology for evaluating the performance of a parcel distribution network in city logistics. This methodology encompasses the main entities of a two-tier distribution system made up of carriers, huge shopping centers (multi-tenant buildings) and intermediate depots (urban consolidation centers), as well as the parcel flows between them. This methodology aims to optimize the transport flows (distance traveled) of a given distribution network while also quantifying the impact in terms of sustainable development by measuring gas emissions. Two different states of the network with different connectivity degrees are evaluated and compared: the current state of the network as well as its future state. The transport network modeling is based on a network flow, which is expressed in linear programming and implemented with an optimization solver. The validation of this methodology is based on the parcel distribution of the Multi-tenant Buildings of the city of Tokyo. The findings are that the network with greater connectivity between the entities brings significant traveled distance reduction as well as a reduction of emissions of CO2. Another finding is that the grouping of the parcels (i.e., pooling) brings a reduction of the distance traveled compared to the transport organization without grouping and contributes to a reduction in the number of trucks.
Highlights
City logistics aims at optimizing logistics activities in urban areas with the support of advanced information and communication technologies towards sustainable development [1,2]
Two key definitions are introduced: one characterizes the degree of connectivity of a distribution network; the second concerns the grouping level of the flow of transported parcels
We focus on the variation of the number of full trucks (∆ NFT) and the variation of the number of incomplete trucks (∆ NIT), depending on whether pooling is allowed or not
Summary
City logistics aims at optimizing logistics activities in urban areas with the support of advanced information and communication technologies towards sustainable development [1,2]. Even if the last mile represents a small part of the whole transportation chain, it is known to represent a significant part (about one-third) of the total transportation costs [3] This problem generates traffic jams as well as an increase in air and noise pollution; it has a strong impact on the quality of life in cities and undermines the objectives of sustainable development. We focus on the distribution of goods from the outskirts of the city to the main buildings located in the city center of a megalopolis In this context, two-tier distribution systems have emerged for many years; the main components of the distribution networks studied in this paper are as follows:
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