The evolving landscape of urban logistics: A study of the Greater Golden Horseshoe

Abstract

Urban supply chain efficiency relies heavily on the location of logistics facilities in metropolitan areas and their proximity to the receivers of goods. This research uses centro-graphic metrics and spatial statistics to research the behavior of warehouses in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area in Canada in the last decade. The research reported in this paper has four main results. First, it identifies how overall logistics sprawl in the region has decreased steadily over the last decade. Second, it distinguishes between warehouse facility types based on employment and identifies differences in location preferences. Third, it shows spatial autocorrelation in warehouse locations. This implies that warehouses with a similar number of employees tend to cluster together. Fourth, it identifies logistics clusters based on warehouse facility types. The distinction between warehouse types based on employment shows the opposing trends logistic operators face. Large warehouse facilities serve regional or national supply chains. In comparison, small warehouse facilities serve a dynamic urban freight market to fulfill expedited deliveries. This research shows that separate policies based on warehouse size are required to address the challenges of new supply chain technologies, changes in consumer behavior, and growing needs for freight transportation systems and land-use policies.