Jacques Leonardi

The Role of Urban Consolidation Centres in Sustainable Freight Transport

The paper reviews the study and use of urban consolidation centres (UCCs) which are a freight transport initiative intended to reduce goods vehicle traffic, vehicle-related greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. An international literature review has identified 114 UCC schemes in 17 countries (12 in the European Union (EU) and 5 outside the EU) that have been the subject of either a feasibility study, trial or a fully operational scheme in the last 40 years. The period from 2006 to 2010 has been the most active 5-year period in terms of UCC study, trial and scheme generation since the first UCC study was carried out in the early 1970s. Five countries account for the majority of all the 114 UCC schemes identified: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. The vast majority of UCCs serve either all or part of an urban area. Examples of UCCs serving a single property (such as an airport or shopping centre) and construction sites have also been identified. Key organizational, operational, and financial issues that are critical to the success of UCCs are discussed. The traffic and environmental impacts of UCC trials and fully operational schemes are also reviewed.

A method for assessing the carbon footprint of maritime freight transport: European case study and results

This paper proposes a method for the calculation of the carbon footprint of international supply chains, focusing on the maritime sector. Using data from a survey of major companies comparing more than 25 import supply chains involving UK, France and Belgium, the main shipping characteristics were identified. This approach enabled a comparison to be made between each supply chain segment, expressed in grams of oil equivalent per kilogramme of product and grammes of CO2 equivalent per kilogramme of product. On one of the longest trips for imports from the southern hemisphere, a potential reduction of up to 20% in energy use was identified by considering the use of different vessels and routes. The approach adopted has limitations due to the limited number of supply chains for which it was possible to collect complete data from origin to destination. Therefore only typical international maritime routes, common products, major container lines and vessels of average size have been considered.

The Collection of Long-Distance Road Freight Data in Europe

Abstract This chapter examines the systems used to collect data on the long-distance movement of freight by road for modelling, market research and other purposes. It begins by listing the features of an ideal long-distance freight data set that would fully meet the needs of policy makers, business analysts, academic researchers and freight operators. It then reviews the existing data-collection systems in Europe, highlighting their shortcomings and how they might be overcome. The third section analyses the strengths and limitations of several alternative approaches to collecting and analysing road freight data, some of which are at an early stage of development.

A Review of Urban Consolidation Centres in the Supply Chain Based on a Case Study Approach

The paper considers how urban consolidation centres (UCCs) can be used in the supply chain to reduce goods vehicle traffic and its associated environmental impacts, while also helping to make supply chains more responsive and efficient and thereby generate commercial benefits. The role of UCCs is presented and the various types discussed. The potential supply chain impacts of UCCs are considered. Case studies of six UCC schemes and trials are included, with their objectives, operational characteristics and impacts compared. The critical success factors associated with UCCs are identified.

CO2-Reduktion und Energieeffizienz im Straßengüterverkehr

The objective of our research was to analyse the relevant logistic factors influencing energy efficiency in road freight transport, while quantifying the potential for CO2 reduction. We carried out a survey and linked fuel consumption to transport performance parameters in 50 German haulage companies during 2003. Efficiency ranges from 0.8 tkm to 26 tkm for 1 kg CO2 emissions. The results show a high potential for improvements, given a low level of efficiency in vehicle usage and load factor, scarce use of lightweight vehicle design, incorrectly selected vehicle class and a high proportion of empty runs. Efficiency measures are poorly applied.

Emissions de gaz à effet de serre des chaînes logistiques

Pour produire et amener sur le marché une certaine quantité de biens, différentes formes d’organisations logistiques sont possibles, qui peuvent entraîner des demandes de transport, des consommations d’énergie et des émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) différentes. Cette communication met en évidence l’impact des choix logistiques sur les émissions de GES en comparant les émissions de chaînes logistiques concurrentes. La collecte de données et la comparaison entre chaînes concurrentes ont été menées en Belgique, en France et au Royaume-Uni, pour quelques produits de consommation courante. La comparaison entre chaînes permet d’analyser les paramètres qui déterminent l’importance des émissions de GES, tels que la distance, le type de distribution, la densité de consommateurs ou le pays.

The Acquisition of Long-Distance Freight Data: Synthesis of a Workshop

This chapter summarizes how the workshop participants and the transportation community at large are looking forward to future research activity and data collection innovations in the freight transport arena, both long- and short-distance, across modes and nations, to facilitate economic analysis, environmental policy, transportation system management and the like. There was great benefit in comparing and sharing information and ideas within the workshop’s international group, and the ideas and suggestions emerging from the session will inform future freight-related surveys. Heavy-duty truck transport accounts for upwards of 15% of a nation’s vehicle-miles traveled and most pavement damage. Both trucks and trains congest tunnels and track, and many seaports and airports regularly reach capacity. Freight transport consumes roughly 10% of a developed nation’s petroleum, resulting in a significant carbon footprint along with other regulated emissions. Good data are needed now for modeling, planning and policymaking.

Impact de la mondialisation sur le niveau d'activité du transport international de marchandises par route et par chemin de fer

Le present chapitre decrit les tendances recentes du commerce mondial, identifie les differentes facons dont la croissance des echanges affecte le transport routier et ferroviaire international de marchandises et s’interroge, enfin, sur l’evolution future du transport terrestre international. Dans le secteur du fret international, les volumes transportes par route et par rail sont encore tres faibles par rapport aux volumes achemines par mer. Toutefois, l’augmentation tres probable du volume total du commerce mondial (produits de plus en plus souvent manufactures loin des consommateurs, parce que les livraisons sont facilitees par des services de transport plus fiables et plus rapides, beneficiant des progres technologiques) devrait accroitre les quantites de marchandises echangees entre pays. Le chapitre retrace l’evolution recente du commerce mondial puisqu’il s’agit de l’un des moteurs du developpement du transport international. Il analyse le commerce et le transport internationaux dans une perspective politique et economique, avant d’evoquer l’importance des procedures de dedouanement et de passage des frontieres ainsi que les preoccupations croissantes en matiere de securite du transport international. Il s’etend longuement sur le transport par route et par chemin de fer en mettant plus particulierement l’accent sur les problemes d’infrastructures, les politiques et reglementations, le deroulement des operations de transport et les technologies utilisees. Il jette pour terminer un regard sur les perspectives d’avenir. Avec la suppression des goulets d’etranglement et des ameliorations operationnelles, l’efficience du transport routier et ferroviaire international de marchandises devrait augmenter considerablement dans de nombreuses regions.