Modelling Urban Freight: What Works, What Doesn't Work?

Abstract

There are now numerous models that seek to explain urban freight patterns. Many of these models are for short-term policy but others are used for long-term planning. This paper looks at the alternative approaches that are being used for planning based modelling. Some places, such as Portland Oregon, use a relatively pragmatic approach, other cities have adopted more academic approaches. The former have particular advantages in terms of data requirements. Much depends upon the nature of the overall policies being reviewed and these differ considerably between cities. In Europe for example, there is a tendency to focus on 'public' distribution centres at the outskirts of cities.