Urban freight consolidation and delivery: state of the art

The implementation of urban consolidation centres (UCCs) can improve urban freight distribution and reduce negative environmental and social externalities in urban transport. Several forms of UCC initiatives have been implemented worldwide. However, initiatives often fail to reach their full potential and long-term viability. Important aspects for successful implementation and long-term viability are strong business models that include suitable forms of interaction between involved stakeholders of urban freight solutions. The overall aim of this chapter is to increase the understanding of UCCs as an urban freight initiative, and to provide state-of-the-art examples from practice on how some of the most central challenges are managed. This chapter elaborates on the benefits and challenges of UCCs. The characteristics of different forms of UCCs are described and illustrated with present initiatives in different cities. These cases further illustrate different critical elements in the business models applied and successful forms of stakeholder interactions.