Themes and challenges in making urban freight distribution sustainable
Author
Summary, in English
Abstract in Undetermined
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore and classify themes and challenges in making urban freight distribution sustainable.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has a cross sectional design which started by a narrative literature review and analysis of a sample of related literature (like peer-reviewed articles and EU (European Union) documents). It ended with complementary discussion and recommendation for tackling the challenges.
Findings
The results of the study illustrate eight and seven emerged categories of themes and challenges, respectively. It is concluded that there is great need for a packet of mixed strategies as well as a more holistic perspective where all actors together analyse and design future set-ups and operation of urban freight distribution. Such a holistic view is essential in order to: understand how different actors of the chain look upon sustainable urban freight distribution, avoid sub-optimal policies/governing rules, and suggest close-to-reality solutions for tackling the challenges.
Research limitations/implications
Freight distribution in urban areas is the main focus of this article. In addition, the study is demarcated to eco/environmental aspect of sustainability although it is impossible to completely exclude its interaction with economic and social aspects.
Practical implications
The results offered in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to sustainable urban freight distribution; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.
Originality/value
This study provides a synthesized classification of themes and challenges which can guide researchers, industries, authorities, and policy-makers in future sustainability efforts.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore and classify themes and challenges in making urban freight distribution sustainable.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has a cross sectional design which started by a narrative literature review and analysis of a sample of related literature (like peer-reviewed articles and EU (European Union) documents). It ended with complementary discussion and recommendation for tackling the challenges.
Findings
The results of the study illustrate eight and seven emerged categories of themes and challenges, respectively. It is concluded that there is great need for a packet of mixed strategies as well as a more holistic perspective where all actors together analyse and design future set-ups and operation of urban freight distribution. Such a holistic view is essential in order to: understand how different actors of the chain look upon sustainable urban freight distribution, avoid sub-optimal policies/governing rules, and suggest close-to-reality solutions for tackling the challenges.
Research limitations/implications
Freight distribution in urban areas is the main focus of this article. In addition, the study is demarcated to eco/environmental aspect of sustainability although it is impossible to completely exclude its interaction with economic and social aspects.
Practical implications
The results offered in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to sustainable urban freight distribution; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.
Originality/value
This study provides a synthesized classification of themes and challenges which can guide researchers, industries, authorities, and policy-makers in future sustainability efforts.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
21-39
Publication/Series
NOFOMA 2012 - Proceedings of the 24th Annual Nordic Logistics Research Network Conference
Full text
- Available as PDF - 124 kB
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Document type
Conference paper
Publisher
NOFOMA
Topic
- Other Mechanical Engineering
Keywords
- Environment
- Sustainability
- Sustainable
- Logistics
- Urban distribution
- City logistics
- Themes
- Initiatives
- Challenges
- Packaging logistics
Conference name
24th Annual NOFOMA Conference, 2012
Conference date
2012-06-07 - 2012-06-08
Conference place
Turku, Finland
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISBN: 978-952-249-204-3