City Logistics Solutions Research Articles

Emerging Trends in Eco-Logistics: A Review of Sustainable Practices in Szczecin (Poland) from the Residents’ Perspective

This article offers an interdisciplinary analysis of eco-friendly urban logistics in Szczecin. It includes a review of innovative ecological solutions, results from a survey on residents’ awareness and acceptance and a case study on the implementation of these solutions in Szczecin. The theoretical part discusses the latest trends in eco-logistics, emphasising urban-specific solutions. The empirical section presents survey findings and explores the practical application of eco-friendly practices in Szczecin, analysing the associated benefits and challenges. The respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness and acceptance of city logistics solutions, such as urban pick-up points and electric scooters, which indicates support for sustainable urban transport. The residents of Szczecin appreciate the practical benefits and positive environmental impact of these eco-friendly investments, which they believe enhance city life by improving air quality and mobility. This article aims to provide a detailed perspective on eco-logistics in Szczecin, focusing on both the social and practical aspects of implementing sustainable solutions.

City Logistics Solutions for CO2 Emission Reduction and Energy Efficiency: A Comparative Study of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Tartu, and Sønderborg

Modern cities face the challenge of reconciling dynamic development with environmental protection, as well as ensuring a high quality of life for their residents. In a time of continuous urbanization, with more than half of the world’s population living in cities, city logistics plays a crucial role in managing complex urban environments. As part of the concept of sustainable development, city logistics aims to minimize the negative impact of transport on the environment, while increasing operational efficiency and improving the comfort of life of residents in urban agglomerations. This article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the intensity of sustainable urban logistics development in selected cities of the European Union. It examines various strategies that reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and increase building energy efficiency. The analysis demonstrates that cities investing in sustainable urban logistics not only improve their environmental performance but also increase their attractiveness and competitiveness as desirable places to live and work.

Sustainable logistics and passenger transport in smart cities

The rapid growth of urban populations, coupled with the imperatives of decarbonization and the relentless march of urbanization, has thrust modern cities into a crucible of multifaceted challenges. In response, the Smart City concept has emerged as a shared paradigm for addressing these urban complexities. This transformative approach touches upon various facets of urban life, encompassing areas such as the economy, education, and governance. Among these, logistics stands out as a pivotal component of the Smart City framework, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This article delves into the intricate nexus between sustainable logistics systems and the evolution of the Smart City concept. Drawing from both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including multivariate analysis, the study synthesizes data from primary sources collected during a series of European projects conducted from 2020 to 2023, in addition to secondary data sources. A central inquiry revolves around the symbiotic relationship between e-commerce dynamics and the sustainability of smart city logistics solutions. The findings of this investigation illuminate a compelling correlation between the profitability of logistics enterprises and the key indicators of logistics development underpinning smart cities. By unveiling these interdependencies, this research contributes to our understanding of how sustainable logistics and passenger transport systems are pivotal to the ongoing development of smart cities, offering valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike.

Evaluation of Smart City Logistics Solutions

The negative effects of goods flows realisation are most visible in urban areas as the places of the greatest concentration of economic and social activities. The main goals of this article were to identify the applicable Industry 4.0 technologies for performing various city logistics (CL) operations, establish smart sustainable CL solutions (SSCL) and rank them in order to identify those which will serve as the base points for future plans and strategies for the development of smart cities. This kind of problem requires involvement of multiple stakeholders with their opposing goals and interests, and thus multiple criteria. For solving it, this article proposed a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, based on BWM (Best-Worst Method) and CODAS (COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment) methods in grey environment. The results of the model application imply that the potentially best SSCL solution is based on the combination of the concepts of micro-consolidation centres and autonomous vehicles with the support of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies. The main contributions of the article are the definition of original SSCLs, the creation of a framework and definition of criteria for their evaluation and the development of a novel hybrid MCDM model.

Emerging Information and Communication Technologies: the Challenges for the Dynamic Freight Management in City Logistics

Recently, the evolution of emerging information and communication technologies (e-ICTs) has opened the road for developing and implementing new integrated and dynamic city logistics solutions and subsequently for identifying new frontiers of intelligent transport systems (ITSs). The study evolves pointing out the different city logistics groups of actors and their reciprocal interactions in relation to the considered new technologies (i.e., internet of things, block chain, big data, and artificial intelligence), which allow actors to increase their utility exploiting the advancement of current intelligent transport systems. The changes in the generalized path costs supported by each stakeholder are explored, and the modifications guided by e-ICTs are analyzed. The learning process due to the update for within-day and day-to-day dynamics is detailed and formalized. In this way, the current formulation of the classical transport problem (vehicle routing and scheduling) and the new one (pushed from the growth of ecommerce, i.e., courier routing) are explored under the light of the new knowledge derived from the use of e-ICTs. Novelty of the study mainly comprises the analysis of each emerging ICT group and of the formalization, in the classical transport system models (TSM), of the new knowledge for each actor group.

Business Model Analysis of Smart City Logistics Solutions Using the Business Model Canvas: The Case of an On-Demand Warehousing E-Marketplace

The rapid rise of e-commerce and advances in the technological sector have enabled the emergence of modern business models on e-marketplaces. Digital and on-demand e-marketplaces have become increasingly popular, responding to the trend of the sharing economy in various business sectors, but there is little guidance on how to develop the respective business models in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of such companies. The present paper is based upon the development and operation of an innovative on-demand warehousing e-marketplace in Greece as a one stop-shop for on-demand warehousing services. The purpose of this paper is to identify the necessary components for developing a successful innovative business model for a viable and effective on-demand warehousing platform. The identification of the value proposition of the proposed e-marketplace, the necessary business infrastructure and the customer interface are described, analyzed and adapted to the Greek Market. Furthermore, this paper also describes the cost structure and the revenue streams of the proposed on-demand warehousing e-marketplace.

A heuristic for two-echelon urban distribution systems

The negative impacts of urban freight transport have fostered the design of new distribution systems for inner city deliveries. One of the proposed city logistics solutions is the establishment of two-echelon distribution systems, where freight originating from the periphery of the city is transferred at intermediate locations (satellites) from larger vehicles (urban freighters) to smaller more environmentally friendly vehicles (city freighters), deemed more suited to operate in the city centre. In this paper, we address a variant of the two-echelon (capacitated) vehicle routing problem (2E-CVRP) arising in the context of city logistics encompassing characteristics such as a heterogeneous fleet of city freighters, time windows, vehicles synchronisation at satellites, direct deliveries, the possibility of freight transfers at customers, and multiple trips by city freighters. We propose a heuristic solution method for this problem based on a Variable Neighbourhood Search (VNS) heuristic, as well as a set of auxiliary evaluation metrics designed to support the decision making process. Preliminary results show the flexibility of the proposed heuristic to account for different problem characteristics, as well as the impacts of considering different best insertion criteria for the initial solution construction. Additionally, the proposed evaluation metrics have allowed for an improved assessment of the trade-offs between different city logistic solutions, and may be considered when developing decision support systems.

The The Application of Drones in City Logistics Concepts

With the rise of city logistics (CL) problems in the last three decades, various methods, approaches, solutions, and initiatives were analyzed and proposed for making logistics in urban areas more sustainable. The most analyzed and promising solutions are those that take into account cooperation among logistics providers and consolidation of the flow of goods. Furthermore, technological innovations enable the implementation of modern vehicles/equipment in order to make CL solutions sustainable. For several years, drone-based delivery has attracted lots of attention in scientific research, but there is a serious gap in the literature regarding the application of drones in CL concepts. The goal of this paper is to analyze four CL concepts that differ in consolidation type, transformation degree of flow of goods (direct and indirect, multi-echelon flows), and the role of drones. Two of the analyzed concepts are novel, which is the main contribution of the paper. The performances of the analyzed concepts are compared to the performances of the traditional delivery model – using only trucks without prior flow consolidation. The results indicate that CL concepts which combine different consolidation models and drones in the last phase of the delivery could stand out as a sustainable CL solution.

The Assumptions, Conditions and Barriers of the Development of the Urban Consolidation Centre for Municipal Entities (UCC-ME)

Purpose: The Urban Consolidation Centres (UCC) are well-known city logistics solutions. Many of their advantages are described in papers and reports. However, the practical implementation of this concept still seems to be a challenge for both business and municipal partners. The main aim of the paper is to develop a concept of a special type of UCC, focused on deliveries for municipal entities. The research includes an analysis of the possibilities of developing consolidated deliveries for municipal entities in a medium-size city - Stargard (Poland). Design/Methodology/Approach: On the basis of survey research conducted in Stargard, assumptions and expectations regarding the efficient implementation and functioning of Urban Consolidation Centre for Municipal Entities (UCC-ME) were established. Business Model Canvas adapted to the needs of urban logistics was used to develop the most important features of the UCC-ME concept. Findings: The results show that the concept of UCC-ME is a city logistics solution whose implementation should be based on a tailor-made business model, preceded by market research and the support of the city authorities. UCC-ME gives a city the opportunity to reduce the negative impact of urban freight transport on its environment and improve the safety of its residents. Practical Implications: The results of this study can be used by local authorities to implement UCC-ME. Originality/value: The original contribution of the paper is the development of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) of UCC-ME. The main novelty is that the proposed concept focuses on municipal entities only.

Freight villages and urban goods distribution: perspectives of freight transport operators, experts, and policymakers from multi-criteria decision analysis

A freight village is an option to reduce the externalities of urban freight transport and improve the efficiency of this activity. In this sense, its location is a factor in the accomplishment of the benefits promoted by city logistics solutions. This paper evaluates the use of freight villages for urban goods distribution. We used a multi-criteria decision analysis to identify the viewpoints of stakeholders involved in this solution (carriers, experts and policymakers). We applied this method to a case study in the city of Palmas, Brazil. The results indicate that there are different perspectives on the relevance of the criteria analysed, reinforcing the need for dialogue and participation of various stakeholders in the planning of urban freight transport, to encourage logistical solutions consistent with the requirements of urban freight transport.

Novel Spherical Fuzzy MARCOS Method for Assessment of Drone‐Based City Logistics Concepts

Technological innovations from the last few years, in the combination with city logistics (CL) initiatives, make the definition of novel, complex, sustainable CL solutions possible. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as a technology attracted lots of attention in the literature. Various researches focused on different drone‐based delivery approaches, but there are only a few articles dealing with drones as the elements of complex CL concepts. The goal of this paper is to evaluate different drone‐based CL concepts. Based on the existing ideas of drone application in delivery, the main group of CL concepts and their variants are defined, which represents the main contribution of the article. The evaluation and ranking of concepts are performed from the aspect of all CL stakeholders and the defined set of criteria by applying measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS) multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) method in spherical fuzzy environment, which represents another contribution of the article. The results indicate that the potentially best CL concept, with the final score of 0.408, is the one that refers to the transformation of the logistics system into a two‐echelon system with the implementation of micro‐consolidation centers (MCCs), in which the delivery of goods to MCCs is realized with rail transportation mode and the last delivery phase with drones. It is followed by the concepts that imply MCCs, and rail transportation in the function of mobile depots for drone launching and MCCs and ground delivery vehicles (GDVs), with the final scores of 0.395 and 0.390, respectively.

A sustainability cross-case assessment of city logistics solutions

The assessment of smart logistics solutions performance is a complex process that takes into consideration the solution type, the stakeholders’ engagement level, and the cities’ particularities and objectives. It is performed taking into account specific evaluation criteria and indicators. This study aims to introduce a holistic sustainability-based framework for the assessment of logistics solutions based on Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis (LCSA) and multi stakeholder multi criteria decision making concept by considering four sustainability disciplines (economy, environment, mobility and society) and three enablers (solution maturity, user acceptance and user uptake). The followed process builds on data transparency and stakeholder communication, and enables decision making through aggregation of the analysis results. Evalog, an open platform, has been developed based on the framework concepts and is implemented to assess and cross-compare city logistics solutions that have been selected by twelve European city cases. The output of Evalog is the integration of all indicators in the Logistics Sustainability Index (LSI), which depicts the solution’s impact per stakeholder category and the Global LSI (GLSI), which represents the overall impact at city level. Results showed that an average improvement of 24.5% may be achieved in all criteria and city cases owing to the logistics solution.

A classification of two-tier distribution systems based on mobile depots

Urban freight transport is an important enabling factor for economic growth and social activities in cities but despite its benefits, it also generates important negative externalities including traffic congestion, pollution, noise and overall less safety. Moreover, increased limitations on urban freight transport, including access constraints, limited kerbside and private parking spaces for loading/unloading, and the often prohibitive costs of installing logistics infrastructures in city centres, have further constrained urban freight transport. To address these issues, several city logistics solutions have been proposed, such as two-tier distribution systems and distribution systems based on mobile depots.In this paper, we focus on two-tier urban freight distribution systems based on mobile depots, where little or no physical infrastructure is considered and where storage is not permitted at transfer locations. In these types of systems, coordination and synchronisation between vehicles are essential, and the main objective is to have vehicles at the transfer locations in a need-to-be basis as a way of minimising the negative externalities.We review and analyse 13 cases found in the scientific literature, trial reports and online resources, and propose a classification of these systems based on the level of mobility and accessibility of transportation modes operating at the first-tier. Furthermore, we characterise the main components and operational features of the different systems, including the existence of multi-trips, the types of transport modes used at both tiers, transported loads and the organisation of the transfer sites (satellites). This work aims to contribute for a clearer characterisation of two-tier urban distribution systems based on mobile depots, to later support the development of the most adequate mathematical models and solution methods to be applied to each variant of this type of systems.

Modelling city logistics using recent innovative technologies

Recently a range of new information based technologies have been developed that create opportunities to implement more integrated and dynamic City Logistics solutions. Sensor networks and demand models can assist in advancing understanding and the prediction the negative impacts of freight on human health that can be used in evaluation. Advances in autonomous and electric freight vehicles have good potential for improving the efficiency and sustainability of urban freight systems. This paper presents an overview of how models can be used to promote the adoption of advanced technologies for enhancing City Logistics.

Prioritisation of city logistics solutions based on stakeholders' point of view

Using the methods of successive intervals, this paper assesses prioritisation of city logistics solutions by considering the viewpoints of carriers, retailers, and shippers. The group of solutions evaluated include truck lanes, urban distribution centres, parking areas, off-peak deliveries, and real-time information. Results suggest that truck lanes are the most important and off-peak delivery the least important solution according to stakeholders. Brazilian municipalities and urban planners can use these results to subsidise decisions regarding urban mobility master plans due to a lack of studies that support urban freight transport planning. Urban freight transport will thus become more efficient, reducing externalities associated with this field.

Prioritisation of city logistics solutions based on stakeholders' point of view

Using the methods of successive intervals, this paper assesses prioritisation of city logistics solutions by considering the viewpoints of carriers, retailers, and shippers. The group of solutions evaluated include truck lanes, urban distribution centres, parking areas, off-peak deliveries, and real-time information. Results suggest that truck lanes are the most important and off-peak delivery the least important solution according to stakeholders. Brazilian municipalities and urban planners can use these results to subsidise decisions regarding urban mobility master plans due to a lack of studies that support urban freight transport planning. Urban freight transport will thus become more efficient, reducing externalities associated with this field.

Retailers and carriers’ viewpoint on Sorocaba’s city logistics: a spatial analysis

Abstract The spatial differentiation of the main constraints and challenges on urban freight transportation can support more assertive public policies and measures, subsidizing city logistics solutions. This paper presents the use of spatial analysis to characterize retailers and carriers’ perceptions on the most important constraints and challenges faced during the urban freight delivery in the central area of Sorocaba/SP. To identify possible clustered patterns concerning problems and solutions from the stakeholders’ viewpoint, the data were analyzed through two spatial techniques: Average Nearest Neighbors and Getis Gi Ord* Hot Spots analysis. These two methodological approaches provide a spatial concentration analysis. As a result, we determined the spatial patterns of stakeholders’ perception for the two groups of variables assessed: (i) the Northwestern portion of Sorocaba’s central area is not prepared to receive the demands of vehicles, and the stakeholders present restrictions related to off-peak deliveries; (ii) the Northeastern region has the greatest negative perception regarding the assessed attributes, and shows little evidence that the loading and unloading space is not appropriate.

Modeling city logistics using adaptive dynamic programming based multi-agent simulation

The effects of city logistics solutions are uncertain due to fluctuating demand, parking issues and multiple agents within the system. This research modelled the behavior of freight carriers and an Urban Consolidation Center (UCC) operator using Multi-Agent Simulation-Adaptive Dynamic Programming based Reinforcement Learning (MAS-ADP based RL) to evaluate a Joint Delivery Systems in an uncertain environment. The MAS-ADP based RL is superior to MAS-Q-learning in replicating the potential actions of the agents under uncertain environment by adapting to the changing environment properly into accurate decisions thus increasing the accuracy of agent’s decision making and eventually reducing environmental emissions as well.

Evaluation of smart city logistics solutions with fuzzy MCDM methods

City logistics, which started to examine as a subdivision of logistics, aims the planning and management of transportation, efficiency, protection of the environment, reduction of traffic, security, and energy-saving. Rapidly growing population and migration from rural to urban areas have an important place in many of the problems of cities. A smart city is an approach that has a significant potential to solve urban logistics problems with information technologies. Smart city logistics such as full adaptive traffic management system, security, and emergency systems, electronic detection system, etc. present based on information technologies to meet the increasing demand for logistics services more efficiently, safely and environmentally. In this study, the evaluation of smart city logistics solutions that contain many components is considered as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Given the complex nature of this problem and insufficient knowledge, the decision-making approach is supported by fuzzy logic. In this context, the smart city logistics solutions in Istanbul determined by literature review and expert opinions are modeled, analyzed, and the results are interpreted by using the House of Quality matrix of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach with fuzzy MCDM methods.

Are Brazilian cities ready to develop an efficient urban freight mobility plan?

Abstract According to the Urban Mobility National Policy (UMNP), Brazilian cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants are obligated to elaborate Urban Mobility Plans (UMPs). The literature shows a lack of national research on urban freight planning and a need for better understanding issues on cargo transportation for authorities, especially regarding decision-making on policies and on urban freight transportation planning. City Logistics solutions can be considered on UMPs to reduce the problematic urban freight transport. Therefore, a survey was applied to investigate the resources available within cities to draw UMPs, the solutions for cargo movement in Brazilian cities, and the perceptions of public managers about freight transportation. The results show that “restrictions” are the solutions most adopted by Brazilian authorities, including the representative sample for cities within the São Paulo State with more than 250,000 inhabitants. The conclusions point out that Brazilian cities are not prepared to develop an efficient urban freight plan, as public managers seem to be unconscious about urban logistics demands within their cities or have neglected aspects regarding urban freight within the UMNP.