Funding source: Volvo Research and Educational Foundations

Performance period: 1/1/2014 to 10/31/2018

Project description

This paper identifies the implications of sub-urbanization for urban freight distribution and explores the extent to which suburban logistics deserves attention as a distinct dimension of urban freight transport research. The main trends increasing the relevance of suburban logistics are identified, making it the norm rather than the exception. It is argued that a dualism in urban freight distribution between the central areas and suburbia is emerging. This dualism involves very different functional and operational characteristics. Recent developments including regulations enforcing city logistics strategies such as tolls or off-peak hour deliveries, urban land-use designs based on smart growth principles, and the emergence of e-commerce are likely to incite a growth of this dualism. The different urban distribution channels, operations and modes depending if city or suburban logistics are involved remains to be further investigated.