Objectives, Methods and Results of Surveys Carried out in the Field of Urban Freight Transport: An International Comparison

TLDR

Urban goods movement research has expanded in industrialized countries, highlighting the need for comprehensive urban logistics, long‑term cooperation among operators, and the potential of intelligent transport systems to improve outcomes. The study compares objectives, methods, and results of urban freight transport research across nine industrialized countries to illuminate sustainable urban logistics practices. The authors conduct a non‑extensive comparative review of objectives, methods, and results in urban freight transport across nine industrialized countries. Despite differing frameworks and models, the review finds consistent economic and environmental trends across the studied countries.

Abstract

In industrialized countries, the number of studies and surveys in the field of urban goods movement (UGM) has increased considerably over recent years. This paper compares the objectives, methods and results in this sector and focuses on nine industrialized countries of Europe, America and Asia. This non‐extensive review shows that in spite of different framework methods and models, similar trends emerge at the economic and environmental levels. It is necessary to take into account urban logistics in the broadest meaning of the term. Cooperative action seems to bear fruit providing that information and dialogue take place in the long‐term with all the operators involved. The development of intelligent transport systems (ITS) and better management of urban facilities may improve these attempts. We present our viewpoint in order to shed light on research oriented towards the sustainable management of urban logistics.