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Freight Transport Deceleration: Its Possible Contribution to the Decarbonisation of Logistics

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  • Alan C. McKinnon

Abstract

The paper challenges the conventional view that the movement of goods through supply chains must continue to accelerate. The compression of freight transit times has been one of the most enduring logistics trends but may not be compatible with governmental climate change policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60--80% by 2050. Opportunities for cutting CO 2 emissions by ‘despeeding' are explored within a freight decarbonisation framework and split into three categories: direct, indirect and consequential. Discussion of the direct carbon savings focuses on the trucking and deep-sea container sectors, where there is clear evidence that slower operation cuts cost, energy and emissions and can be accommodated within current supply chain requirements. Indirect emission reductions could accrue from more localised sourcing and a relaxation of just-in-time (JIT) replenishment. Acceleration of logistical activities other than transport could offset increases in freight transit times, allowing the overall carbon intensity of supply chains to reduce with minimal loss of performance. Consequential deceleration results from other decarbonisation initiatives such as freight modal split and a shift to lower carbon fuels. Having reviewed evidence drawn from a broad range of sources, the paper concludes that freight deceleration is a promising decarbonisation option, but raises a number of important issues that will require new empirical research.

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  • Alan C. McKinnon, 2016. "Freight Transport Deceleration: Its Possible Contribution to the Decarbonisation of Logistics," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(4), pages 418-436, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:transr:v:36:y:2016:i:4:p:418-436
    DOI: 10.1080/01441647.2015.1137992
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    Cited by:

    1. Yangkun Xia & Zhuo Fu & Sang-Bing Tsai & Jiangtao Wang, 2018. "A New TS Algorithm for Solving Low-Carbon Logistics Vehicle Routing Problem with Split Deliveries by Backpack—From a Green Operation Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Panagiotis Trivellas & Georgios Malindretos & Panagiotis Reklitis, 2020. "Implications of Green Logistics Management on Sustainable Business and Supply Chain Performance: Evidence from a Survey in the Greek Agri-Food Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-29, December.
    3. Hisatoshi Naganawa & Enna Hirata & Nailah Firdausiyah & Russell G. Thompson, 2024. "Logistics Hub and Route Optimization in the Physical Internet Paradigm," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-18, April.
    4. Maria Persdotter Isaksson & Hana Hulthén & Helena Forslund, 2019. "Environmentally Sustainable Logistics Performance Management Process Integration between Buyers and 3PLs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Jessica Wehner, 2018. "Energy Efficiency in Logistics: An Interactive Approach to Capacity Utilisation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-19, May.
    6. Noorliza Karia, 2022. "Antecedents and Consequences of Environmental Capability towards Sustainability and Competitiveness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-16, September.
    7. Pietro Evangelista & Lodovico Santoro & Antonio Thomas, 2018. "Environmental Sustainability in Third-Party Logistics Service Providers: A Systematic Literature Review from 2000–2016," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-34, May.
    8. Goel, Pooja & Kumar, Aalok & Parayitam, Satyanarayana & Luthra, Sunil, 2023. "Understanding transport users' preferences for adopting electric vehicle based mobility for sustainable city: A moderated moderated-mediation model," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    9. Supriyo Roy & R. P. Mohanty, 2024. "Green logistics operations and its impact on supply chain sustainability: An empirical study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 1447-1476, February.
    10. Sara Rogerson & Vendela Santén & Uni Sallnäs, 2021. "The Influence of Power and Trust on the Initiation and Duration of Modal Shift Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-19, March.
    11. Pérez-Martínez, P.J. & Miranda, R.M. & Andrade, M.F., 2020. "Freight road transport analysis in the metro São Paulo: Logistical activities and CO2 emissions," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 16-33.
    12. Sears, Sean & Moataz, Mohamed & Ferguson, Mark & Razavi, Saiedeh & Páez, Antonio, 2022. "Perceived barriers to the movement of goods in Canada: A grounded theory investigation," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 27-45.

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