Urban Freight Transport Management Research Articles

A multi-perspective analysis for the better understanding of urban freight transport challenges and opportunities in Montevideo

Population growth has been followed by an increase in the share of residents in urban centers, in developed countries as well as in the least developed. These areas of high population density generate an increase in commercial activity, being urban freight transport a key factor, in account of providing the goods commercialized in its stores. Urban logistics presents a series of hard-to-solve issues, and the models which seek to align the interests of the various stakeholders in the search for solutions are scarce. The aim of this article is to present a framework to understand the needs of the different stakeholders, and, in this way, to facilitate joint working with the goal of finding solutions for a better management of urban freight transport. It was found that there are many different regions that coexist within the same city, which makes evident that not all solutions are applicable to all of them. By studding deeply one of these regions, it can be inferred that not all cities are prepared for the current challenge that urban freight transport encompasses. The choice of a multi-perspective study appeared to be convenient to address the complexity these process, allowing the researcher team to gather a comprehensive view of this reality. These various aspects were shown in a workshop that included representatives of each of the stakeholders’ groups. In this workshop, the different distribution strategies and regulations that could be implemented in the short and medium term were deeply discussed.

Os PlanMobs têm contemplado o transporte urbano de carga?

A Política Nacional de Mobilidade Urbana regulamenta a acessibilidade e a mobilidade de pessoas e mercadorias nos centros urbanos. No entanto, os gestores públicos aparentam conferir menor importância ao transporte urbano de carga (TUC) em comparação ao transporte público de passageiros. Nesse sentido, esse artigo tem por objetivo investigar se os Planos de Mobilidade Urbana (PlanMobs) têm incorporado a gestão do TUC. Para tanto, foi conduzida uma pesquisa tipo survey com os gestores públicos para identificar a importância do TUC para a mobilidade urbana, bem como analisar os conteúdos dos PlanMobs com referência ao TUC por meio da técnica ‘Análise de Conteúdo’. Os resultados mostram que a mobilidade da carga está sendo contemplada de forma superficial nos PlanMobs e, de certa forma, negligenciada pelos gestores públicos.

Directions of the transport system development on the example of selected cities

Abstract Managing the transport of goods, which is one of the areas of urban logistics, should be an aspect of policy pursued by city authorities towards various urban space users. A condition for an effective implementation of solutions supporting the management of urban freight transport is an in-depth analysis of the current situation and condition of a given city system and proper identification of problems occurring in a given urban structure. It is worth noting that in general problems related to the transport of cargo, occurring in different cities have a similar nature, however, the specific character of the cities themselves makes it necessary to apply a detailed assessment, allowing the development of recommendations regarding solutions suitable for implementation within a given city.

Potential for ITS/ICT Solutions in Urban Freight Management

The article presents a study on applying ITS solutions in planning and management of urban freight transport in Gdynia. The traffic management system Tristar which is under implementation and its related systems show a potential to assist in development of freight transport measures. Recommendations for urban freight policy development supplementing Gdynia's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan were used as a basis for identification where ITS/ITC could be implemented. The first stage may involve modelling and analysis of freight vehicle traffic with new multilevel transport model for Gdynia. Other possible measures include, among others provision of dynamic information for vehicle routing and priorities for trucks on selected sections of road network. However, problems with access to reliable data describing delivery vehicle traffic were identified in this early stage as no practical rules for their collection had been developed. Additional problems appear in acquiring urban supply chain characteristics that require collaboration with the private sector. Such studies have not as yet been conducted in Poland. The identified factors indicate the need to precisely specify expected results and the areas of ITS application in Gdynia to prepare for their. Dynamic routing and scheduling with real time information appeared to be the most promising solution applying ITS, with temporary priorities for HGV providing services to the sea port in Gdynia in peak traffic and directing lorries implementation to free parking slots. Experience gained in these applications will be useful in developing other, complex solutions, e.g. in organising distribution in the city centre.

Clean Last Mile Transport and Logistics Management for Smart and Efficient Local Governments in Europe

C-LIEGE “Clean Last mile transport and logistics management for smart and efficient local Governments in Europe” is a STEER Intelligent Energy Europe Programme 2010 project focused on developing integrated framework for energy-efficient urban freight transport demand management and planning. C-LIEGE is conceived as a showcase for good practices and a helping hand for European cities striving for cleaner and sustainable urban freight transport and logistics. C-LIEGE provides solutions for decision makers and professionals in Local Authorities and for freight operators. C-LIEGE empowers a cooperative approach between public and private stakeholders targeted on the reduction of energetic and environmental impacts of freight transport in European cities and regions. C-LIEGE successfully developed and tested freight transport demand-oriented measures and decision supporting tools towards reduction of energy, environmental and economic impacts of freight transport in urban environments. A set of integrated solutions and measures were implemented and tested by the support of newly developed C-LIEGE tools: the Stakeholder Engagement Manual, Good Practice Database, Push and Pull Measures Database, Guideline for the development of Urban Freight Mobility Plan as well as the C-LIEGE Toolbox for the establishment of a City Logistics Manager. Seven pilot experiments in six European countries assessed effectiveness of the C-LIEGE approach: Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Germany and Malta. The pilot cities selected and implemented a package of demand-oriented measures such as access fees and time windows restrictions, environmental zones, recognition schemes, freight maps, Freight Quality Partnerships, etc. A total of 35 demand-oriented measures were implemented in the C-LIEGE pilot cities, based upon the C-LIEGE toolbox and guidelines.The C-LIEGE pilot sites have introduced a wide range of measures aimed at reducing the impacts of urban freight transport: Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) in Newcastle (UK), introduction of access restrictions for heavier freight vehicles in Montana (Bulgaria), new freight mapping in Leicester (UK) accessible via smart phone, re-routing measures in Stuttgart (Germany) as well as Hal-Tarxien (Malta), the establishment of Freight Quality Partnerships (FQPs) as well as Local Freight Development Plans (LFDPs) in all pilot cities. The results achieved in each C-LIEGE pilot site is summarized as follows: decreasing of CO, CO2, NOx and PM10 emissions (tons/year) generated by freight vehicles (Leicester: 15.3%; Newcastle: 9.5%; Stuttgart: 13.2%; Szczecin: 27.8%; Montana: 11.9%; Hal-Tarxien: 10.6%; Piacenza/Emilia-Romagna: 41.2%/44.4%), decreasing fossil fuel consumption (Leicester: 10.5%; Newcastle: 9.4%; Stuttgart: 13.1%; Szczecin: 27.8%; Montana: 11.9%; Hal-Tarxien: 10.5%; Piacenza/Emilia-Romagna: 1.7%/1.5%), decreasing operating costs for freight carriers (Leicester: 6.5% Newcastle: 5.4%; Stuttgart: 7.4%; Szczecin: 18.2%; Montana: 7.7%; Hal-Tarxien: 9.1%; Piacenza/Emilia-Romagna: 17.5%/20.1%). C-LIEGE finally filled the existing gap in know-how and professionalism in the sector by designing, fine-tuning and delivering the complimentary capabilities of City Logistics Manager. For the first time in Europe, the well-known Mobility Manager whose duties are focused on passenger transport only can be paired with a City Logistics Manager. We are convinced that the C-LIEGE tools and experiences will be of great value for urban freight transport management and logistics in other European cities and regions.

Adaptative Approach to Implementing Good Practices to Support Environmentally Friendly Urban Freight Transport Management

The fast growth of cities combined with the growing needs of city users, including freight carriers, residents, shippers, trade associations, in turn leads to significant problems with transport coordination and achieving its highest possible efficiency (having taken into account efficient use of loading space, limiting the fleet operation costs, ensuring fast deliveries, etc.). These factors result in the need to search for methods that enable effective implementation of solutions aimed at streamlining and optimising urban freight transport management. All implementation processes may be completed based on three major approaches: developing completely new solutions from scratch – creation, direct copying of practically proven solutions – transfer and transferring practically proven solutions while making changes that mainly depend on the implementation environment – adaptation. The adaptation of good practice makes it possible to avoid mistakes and also to indicate to stakeholders the potential benefits experienced by the cities that have already been using good practice. This paper is focused on a methodology for efficient implementation of urban freight transport (UFT) measures based on the adaptation approach.

Concepts of City Logistics for Sustainable and Liveable Cities

This paper presents concepts of city logistics for sustainable and liveable cities. City logistics can contribute to create more efficient and environmentally friendly urban freight transport systems. The application of innovative technologies of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), the change in mind-sets of logistics managers, and public-private partnerships can promote city logistics policy measures. The procedure of urban freight transport management is described, which is an adaptive management system that uses the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Act) cycle. Joint delivery systems with urban consolidation centres are also highlighted in particular focusing on the benefits and problems, the success factors, the role of municipalities and the transferability to other areas.