Analysis of the Christmas Period Impact on the Freight Transport Demand in Szczecin

Abstract

The main problem arising in the process of management of the transport and distribution of goods in urban areas is the lack of data regarding deliveries, in particular with regard to the structure of demand as well as the classification of vehicles, their routes, changes in demand for transport, etc. The aim of the research presented in the paper is to fill this gap in Szczecin (Poland). The studies are part of research carried out under the project GRASS (GReen And Sustainable freight transport Systems in cities). The paper introduces the results of second stage analysis of the goods distribution within the city centre of Szczecin, covering a significant number of companies, retail and service entities, entities of the HoReCa sector, schools, universities, and public administration. The studies presented in this paper of the survey results illustrate the impact of Christmas period on the increasing demand for delivery in Szczecin example. Moreover, the survey was conducted in the shopping centres located in the designated area of the city. This enabled to determine the seasonal increase in demand for freight deliveries.