Sustainable solutions for urban freight transport and logistics: An analysis of urban consolidation centers

Abstract

Despite its key role for the economic vitality of a city, urban freight transport is responsible for negative externalities that affect our lives. In fact, it is a major contributor to climate change and global warming. Also, it causes increasing gas emissions, congestion, noise and traffic safety issues. Drawing on the successful experience of the Bristol-Bath Freight Consolidation Center, which has been serving the city center of Bristol since 2002 and started covering Bath in 2012, this study analyses benefits provided by an Urban Consolidation Center (UCC). Based on a case study analysis, it aims to identify the key successes of a UCC scheme by focusing on the stakeholders’ perspective. An analysis of the benefits coming from the sustainability scheme, such as polluting emissions reduction rates, is also provided.