A collaborative urban distribution network

Abstract

Many urban areas are experiencing an increase in the number of trucks and vans delivering goods to retailers as well as a decrease in the utilisation of delivery vehicles. This leads to increased emissions, noise and conflicts with pedestrians. Large metropolitan areas often have a number of retail centres with outlets being regularly serviced by wholesalers. Urban distribution systems are typically characterised by suppliers operating their own vehicle fleets, distributing only their goods to their customers on a regular basis. Within specific sectors there is an opportunity to combine urban distribution networks to reduce the number of vehicles required for deliveries as well as the distan..