Freight Distribution Research Articles

Modeling dry-port-based freight distribution planning

In this paper we review the dry port concept and its outfalls in terms of optimal design and management of freight distribution. Some optimization challenges arising from the presence of dry ports in intermodal freight transport systems are presented and discussed. Then we consider the tactical planning problem of defining the optimal routes and schedules for the fleet of vehicles providing transportation services between the terminals of a dry-port-based intermodal system. An original service network design model based on a mixed integer programming mathematical formulation is proposed to solve the considered problem. An experimental framework built upon realistic instances inspired by regional cases is described and the computational results of the model are presented and discussed.

“Charge while driving” for electric vehicles: road traffic modeling and energy assessment

The aim of this research study is to present a method for analyzing the performance of the wireless inductive charge-while-driving (CWD) electric vehicles, from both traffic and energy points of view. To accurately quantify the electric power required from an energy supplier for the proper management of the charging system, a traffic simulation model is implemented. This model is based on a mesoscopic approach, and it is applied to a freight distribution scenario. Lane changing and positioning are managed according to a cooperative system among vehicles and supported by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). From the energy point of view, the analyses indicate that the traffic may have the following effects on the energy of the system: in a low traffic level scenario, the maximum power that should be supplied for the entire road is simulated at approximately 9 MW; and in a high level traffic scenario with lower average speeds, the maximum power required by the vehicles in the charging lane increases by more than 50 %.

A new urban freight distribution scheme and an optimization methodology for reducing its overall cost

The paper refers to an innovative urban freight distribution scheme, aimed at reducing the externalities connected with the freight delivery process. Both packages destined to commercial activities and to end consumers (e-commerce) are taken into account. Each package is characterized by an address and dimensions. In the proposed transport system, freight is firstly delivered to the UDC on the border of urban areas through trucks or trains which perform the long distance transport. After, freight is reorganized and consolidated into load units, i.e. the FURBOT boxes, according to packages dimensions and to the addresses of receivers. Each box is addressed to a temporary unloading bay and it is delivered there by a FURBOT vehicle. The receivers are in charge of collecting their packages in the related unloading bays where they have been delivered. The paper concerns a methodology for optimizing this freight transport system’s performances. The overall methodology receives in input the actual freight demand and the road network, and finds the transport system parameters (number of required FURBOT boxes, their temporary unloading bay, the FURBOT fleet dimension and the FURBOT vehicle routing) that minimize the system overall cost. The overall cost is a sum of the users’ cost, which depends on the distance they have to walk for collecting their packages in the FURBOT box, and of the operator’s cost, which depends on the number of required boxes, the total distance travelled by the FURBOT vehicles and the required number of FURBOT vehicles. The overall procedure has been applied to the case study of Barreiro old town, a suburb of Lisbon, Portugal.

Influence of Coopetition and Freight Consolidation on Sustainable Distribution

Logisticians in the field of freight movement and transportation have argued for 'sustainable freight distribution' through triple bottom line approach. Potential solutions identified are co-opetition, freight consolidation and collaborative freight distribution which appear to have limited academic investigation of their influence on sustainability. This paper investigates this gap in current sustainable freight distribution literature. Measures of coopetition, freight consolidation, collaborative freight distribution, and sustainable distribution were embodied in a survey distributed to newspaper firms, transporters and newsagents in context of Thailand. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results show that firms who perceive to leverage co-opetition, freight consolidation and collaborative freight distribution approach will achieve a significant sustainable logistics distribution. Managerial initiatives should be directed at developing co-opetition and freight consolidation strategies and leveraging it for a collaborative freight distribution that can lead to sustainable distribution in supply chain.

Automated Vehicles and the Rethinking of Mobility and Cities

The project CityMobil2 has carried out a forward-looking exercise to investigate alternative cybermobility scenarios, including both niche and large-market innovations, and their impacts on European cities and their transport systems.The paper describes the current status of and main trends in automated vehicles, a preliminary vision of the future city with mobility supported mainly by automated vehicles, and freight distribution. The expected positive impacts derive from the development of car sharing, the reduction of space required for parking vehicles, the possibilities for older people or those with disabilities to use cars, the enhancement of safety, and the improvement of efficiency of the transport system.

Logistics Spatial Patterns in Paris

The purpose of this study is to consider the spatial distribution of freight and logistics facilities in both the Paris region and the Paris megaregion (the Paris basin) between 2000 and 2012. A major rise in the number of warehousing and logistics facilities has been documented since the beginning of the 2000s in both areas. In terms of spatial characteristics, this growth illustrates both centrifugal processes, from the urban core to the suburban and exurban areas of the region, and centripetal processes, from the margins of the Paris basin to the edges of the Paris region. The logistics system is a global distribution process from international supply chains to urban supply chains. In this process, freight hubs serve as switches connecting these two scales of the logistics system. This role explains part of the locational patterns of logistics and warehousing facilities in Paris, both at the metropolitan scale of the Ile-de-France region and at the megaregional scale of the Paris basin. Areas of further research are provided; these could help establish and better specify the megaregional nature of the Paris basin as far as freight and logistics facilities are concerned.

Modeling and Analysis of Wireless “Charge While Driving” Operations for Fully Electric Vehicles

This study presents a method for analysing the traffic and electric performance of wireless Charge While Driving (CWD) systems for two types of electric vehicle: a light-van for freight distribution and a city car. After performing a preliminary design of the CWD system, a simplified traffic simulation, including an energy assessment for vehicles, is presented to test the design settings, such as the travelling speed on CWD and the percentage of equipped lanes.The speed range explored refers to quite low values because the design layout of the EVSE should be a compromise between the need to minimize the installation and maintenance costs and users’ acceptance of the time required to obtain a proper recharge.The choice of the traffic modelling approach derives from the specific requirements of the CWD system defined in the eCo-FEV project, which may be assumed as having been installed along a low speed lane of a motorway. The simplified traffic model simulates the vehicles time series along the road, introducing their energy needs as an influencing factor of drivers’ behaviour. The simulated scenarios involve electric light-vans travelling along a 5-km highway that have the opportunity to charge in motion if their State of Charge (SOC) is under an established threshold.

Optimization of the FURBOT Urban Freight Transport Scheme

The paper refers to an innovative urban freight distribution scheme, aimed at reducing the externalities connected with the freight delivery process. Both packages destined to commercial activities and to end consumers (e-commerce) are taken into account. Each package is characterized by an address and dimensions. In the proposed transport system, freight is firstly delivered to the urban distribution centre on the border of urban areas through trucks or trains which perform the long distance transport. After, freight is reorganized and consolidated into special load units (FURBOT boxes), according to packages dimensions and to the addresses of receivers. Each box is addressed to a temporary unloading bay and it is delivered there by a smalllelectrically powered vehicle (FURBOT vehicle).The paper concerns a methodology for optimizing this freight transport system's performances. The input data are the actual freight demand, the road network and the public policies. The methodology determines the best number of FURBOT boxes which minimizes the system cost. The overall cost is a sum of the users cost, which depends on the distance they have to walk for collecting their packages in the FURBOT box, and of the operator cost, which depends on the number of boxes, and the total distance travelled by the FURBOT vehicles. The minimization problem has been approached by a Simulated Annealing procedure. The methodology recalls two sub-problems: a first sub-problem to determine the optimum clustering of packages in the FURBOT boxes, and a second sub problem to determine the best routing of FURBOT vehicles. The methodology has been applied to the case study of Genoa city centre, Italy.

CLASS: A DSS for the Analysis and the Simulation of Urban Freight Systems

The complexity of methods and models for the investigation of urban freight systems has pushed researchers to develop decision support systems (DSS) for the analysis and simulation of the effects of city logistics measures and the effects of exogenous scenario changes, as land-use, demographic and socio-economic characteristics. In fact, today these types of systems provide to support decision-makers to understand and simulate the structure of freight urban system and to compute some indicators that compared with target and benchmarking values allow to identify its level of service. Such a DSS, named CLASS (City Logistics Analysis and Simulation Support System), has been recently proposed and in this paper some advancements are presented. Then, two application examples for the simulation of urban freight transport in a large urban area and the assessment of freight distribution activity location in a medium size urban area are presented.

Traffic Modeling of a Cooperative Charge while Driving System in a Freight Transport Scenario

The aim of this paper is to present a research study on a traffic model developed for analysing the performance of the wireless inductive systems for charging while driving (CWD) fully electric vehicles (FEVs) from both traffic and energy points of view.The design assumptions of the developed traffic model are aimed to simulate in particular a freight distribution service in a fully cooperative traffic environment. In this case, the CWD service could be used to guarantee the minimum state of charge (SOC) of the batteries at the arrival to the depot that allows the vehicles to shortly start with further activities. In this way, the fleet manager could avoid wasting time for the stationary recharge, thus increasing the level of service of the freight distribution.The CWD system is applied to a multilane ring road with several intermediate on-ramp entrances, where the slowest lane is reserved for the dynamic charging activities, when authorized vehicles are present. A specific traffic model has been developed and implemented adopting a mesoscopic approach, where vehicle energy needs and charging opportunities affect drivers’ behavior. Overtaking maneuvers, as well as new entries in the CWD lane of vehicles that need to charge, have been modeled by taking into account a fully cooperative driving system among vehicles which manages adequate gaps between consecutive vehicles. Finally, a speed control strategy in which vehicles can be delayed to create an empty time-space slot in the CWD lane, is simulated at a defined node. This type of control, though is simulated to allow extraordinary maintenance operations, which may require a free charging zone for a given time slot, could also be applied to support merging maneuvers for on ramp vehicles.

Urban Freight Distribution: The impact of delivery time on sustainability

By supporting trading activities urban freight distribution contributes to the dynamism of the cities. But policy makers have now to develop new logistics scheme that can minimize its negative impacts. This paper focuses on the consolidation of goods flows by using a Distribution Center. It appears to be a good solution to meet the new objectives of the policy makers: redesigning the flow of goods inside the city while not increasing the cost, reducing pollution and making the city more attractive. To dimension the DC, we have conducted a survey with the main customers of urban logistics services: retailers and store managers. The results of this survey are now used in order to optimize the delivery rounds in the city.

Regionalização Portuária: Rumo a uma Nova Fase no Desenvolvimento Portuário

A integração logística e lógica reticular no setor portuário-marítimo tem redefinido o papel funcional dos portos em cadeias de valor e gerou novos padrões de distribuição de mercadorias e novas abordagens para a hierarquia portuária. Os modelos existentes de análise da evolução espacial e funcional dos portos e sistemas portuários contribuem apenas parcialmente à compreensão do paradigma de distribuição de mercadorias. Este trabalho tem como objetivo contribuir para a bibliografia existente propondo uma nova do desenvolvimento portuário, a fase da regionalização portuária e da circulação “porta a porta”. É demonstrado que a fase de regionalização e aspectos associados à hinterlândia exigem novas abordagens para a governança portuária e um enfoque funcional que vai além do perímetro tradicional dos portos.

Toward sustainability with the coordinated freight distribution of municipal goods

Municipalities play an important role in the development of sustainable societies, particularly by way of public procurement. Within this area, municipal governments can significantly impact the environment by placing environment-conscious demands on the products and services purchased. At the same time, municipalities are largely responsible when it comes to decreasing the fastest growing source of CO2 emissions in urban areas: road transport. Yet, while much has been done to curb the environmental impact of passenger transport, freight transport seems to have been nearly forgotten. Some Swedish municipalities have set a good example by coordinating the distribution of goods to their facilities and by separating the purchases of goods from those of distribution services. Although municipalities claim that cooperation and knowledge dissemination are central to developing sustainability management, it remains unclear how such should be applied to coordinated urban freight distribution. This paper thus aims to describe and analyse activities in Swedish municipalities' developmental processes of promoting the coordinated freight distribution of goods, in order to identify which activities of knowledge dissemination and collaboration should be prioritised. Empirical data were gathered from interviews, the Internet, and brochures for initiatives taken by Swedish municipalities. Results indicate that the initiatives demonstrate several similarities and differences, as well as provide examples of how knowledge can be integrated into municipal organisation. Above all, results indicate a need for increased collaboration among actors to make freight transport in Swedish cities more efficient, as well as that increased knowledge transfer can help municipalities to overcome several of their weaknesses.

Integrating sustainability performance measurement into logistics and supply networks: A multi-methodological approach

This paper seeks to address the way in which economic and environmental performance can be measured simultaneously, taking a multi-methodological approach to the logistics and supply chain management field in order to address sustainability challenges. The multi-methodological approach relies on the merits of different methodologies, provides more flexibility in tackling problems under investigation, and tolerates inaccurate estimation of parameters during the process. An illustrative case study (Westgate Ports) is undertaken in Australia in order to examine the ways in which the multi-methodological approach is applied, and how it assists during the decision making process in the adoption of green practices for freight transport logistics. The case validates the applicability and usefulness of the approach and highlights comparative outputs of costs and carbon emissions in freight transport logistics. Rail transport is identified as giving the opportunity to study the short distance container and freight distribution network, although initially this does not appear to be the most cost-effective option. This study finds that it is better to simultaneously consider performance indicators from different perspectives and to integrate them into one model of system measurement in order for corporations to improve their sustainability performance.

Reliability in urban freight distribution: A Markovian approach

A key element in assessing reliability in urban freight distribution (UFD) is the probability density function (PDF) of the variables that characterize the performance of the distribution routes. This article presents a method for modeling the PDF with an approach based on the Markov models, under the assumption that the present status of reliability of a route depends only on its immediate previous state. Currently, the PDF is obtained directly from the field, therefore an analytical model that provides certainty to the analysis is essential. The results are applicable both to the design of routes and operation of the same process. The originality of this work is based on the development of a methodological procedure to assess the reliability of the components of a path, complementary to current methodologies to calculate network reliability.

Reliability in urban freight distribution: A Markovian approach

Reliability in urban freight distribution: A Markovian approach

Ecological Urban Logistics in the Historical Centers of Cities

European cities endeavor to meet the challenges of the European Union transport policy related to urban logistics through working out and implementing different concepts of more city friendly freight distribution. It is especially significant as far as enormous cultural heritage of some European cities is concerned. The protection of unique and invaluable historical city centers against the negative impacts of car traffic is necessary. The implementation of those activities is supported by various European funds. The CIVITAS Initiative is one of them. In the framework of this initiative, several European cities have implemented projects related to the urban logistics. The first part of the article presented Krakow experiences in the process of preparation and implementation of the support conception to urban logistics in the historical center of the city. In the second part of the article a description of few European experiences relating to the implementation of projects contributing to the protection of historical areas and positive impact on their inhabitants is presented.

A Socio-economic Analysis of Harmonizing the Dimensions of Lorries and Loading Docks in Norwegian Cities – Costs, BenefIts and Logistic Efficiency

In several Norwegian cities there exists the potential for increasing the efficiency of cargo deliveries by reducing the time spent on loading and unloading for each delivery. As Norway lacks regulations harmonizing the dimensions of lorries to the dimensions of loading docks, drivers are often forced to load and unload their cargo on-street instead of onto loading docks. On-street unloading leads to increased walking distances for drivers, which increases time spent unloading the delivery and thus the delivery cost. In addition, on-street unloading may affect other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transportation. Harmonization of the dimensions of lorries and loading docks could therefore potentially reduce both delivery costs and external effects.This paper looks into a methodological framework for social cost benefit-analyses of harmonizing the dimensions of lorries and loading docks in urban areas. The framework is universal in the sense that it is valid and can be used for evaluations of measures in different cities, however it is based on local data. The innovative part is that the adapted cost benefit-analyses methodology is used on measures connected to urban freight distribution. Another innovative aspect of using the social cost-benefit methodology is the effects of measures quantified in monetary terms. This makes it possible to rank measures tested and evaluated. The framework is tested on scenarios of current interest to be implemented by using data from the central parts of Oslo, limited by the orbital road, Ring 2. Estimations are made using four scenarios; two for estimating the effects of lorry size restrictions, and two focusing on dimensioning of loading docks. The study revealed a lack of relevant data, especially as regards loading docks. The framework can be used for similar analyses in other city areas, based on local data. An important recommendation for improving the quality of future analyses is to ensure data collection from concrete actions directed at cargo distribution in city areas.

Better Use of Delivery Spaces in Oslo

The lack of space in urban areas is an important barrier to efficient freight deliveries. Available space in urban city centres has to be shared between different activities and actors, including public transport operators, private car users, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians in addition to freight operators. The lack of access to appropriate freight delivery spaces increases the time needed for deliveries and the distances truck drivers have to walk between their vehicles and the receivers of goods.This lack of space is one of the issues that the ongoing project Green Urban Distribution (GUD) deals with. The project is set to develop environmental friendly and efficient solutions for urban freight distribution in Oslo, the capital of Norway, by (1) better use of road spaces, (2) better use of day and week time and (3) to demonstrate usage of environmentally friendly and energy efficient vehicles for unmanned deliveries.One of the tasks in the GUD project has been to study delivery spaces on a street in the centre of Oslo and to analyse whether the delivery spaces could be better utilised. This work included 6 days of observations of vehicles using delivery spaces in two separate locations, as well as interviews with stakeholders, including drivers, shop workers and shop owners. The collected data have been used to analyse potential effects from giving designated vehicles exclusive right to use the delivery spaces at certain times.The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it gives an understanding on how delivery spaces intended for freight loading and unloading are used by different actors with different tasks and functions. Secondly, the paper presents alternative prioritization schemes for freight vehicles for these delivery spaces and outlines some of the costs and benefits. The analyses will give decision makers an increased understanding of the potential effects of such access restrictions.

Looking inside the box: evidence from the containerization of commodities and the cold chain

Conventional investigations about containerized transportation tend to overlook the goods being carried to focus upon the associated modes and terminals. Containerization is entering a new phase in its global diffusion and adoption by freight distribution systems. The emerging phase of containerization encompasses a complementarity with the commodity sector and the extraction of niche market opportunities to satisfy new demands. This phase is driven by a commodity-wise approach, which inherently creates an array of challenges. For instance, niche markets develop or disappear based on temporary market conditions, the balance of flows on trade routes, and the need for market size. Still, the nature of the commodities being carried is a fundamental element in the emerging containerization of commodities. This article aims at analyzing this emerging niche in the containerization process by ‘looking inside the box’. It particularly unravels the dynamics for a number of commodities and demonstrates which role the container fulfills in these commodity markets. The underlying factors that enable the growth or decline of commodity-based niche markets in containerization are discussed. It also looks at the dynamics of the specialized reefer market of cold chain logistics.