Logistical Developments in Urban Distribution and their Impact on Energy Use and the Environment

Abstract

Prior to dealing with urban freight distribution, an overview will be presented of the overall freight market and the existing trends in logistics from the point of view of environmental impacts. An illustration will be given of the growing use of automobiles, to prove that this is the main problem to focus on. Subsequently the possibilities and limits of technological developments are given. In a recent study we have indicated that the use of technical improvements, that are known at the very moment, can curb energy consumption with 17%. In other words, given the expected growth rates technical solutions are not sufficient. Based on other research it is shown that the organization of transport, i.e. the logistical organization can be instrumental in getting a much higher efficiency in transport. Based on these principles the paper evaluates the strategies for freight transport in urban areas. Also the improvement of freight transport in urban areas will ask for a better logistical organization, implementation of information technology and new transport technologies and for measures in the field of physical planning within cities. These measures will be asked for in that order and in their combination.