Urban Freight Consolidation Centres Final Report

Abstract:

The Transport Studies Group (TSG) at the University of Westminster was commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) to carry out a scoping study to identify the potential for the development of urban consolidation centres (UCCs).

UCCs have been subject to much discussion and occasional trials, but to date there has been a lack of evidence-based information upon which potential operators or policy-makers can base decisions as to the viability of such initiatives. This report is intended to assist with the provision and interpretation of that information.

Broadly speaking the key purpose identified for UCCs is the avoidance of the need for vehicles to deliver part loads into urban centres or other large developments. This objective can be achieved by providing facilities whereby deliveries can be consolidated for subsequent delivery into the area in an appropriate vehicle with a high level of load utilisation.

The main components of the study have been:

For the purposes of this project, a UCC is best described as a logistics facility that is situated in relatively close proximity to the geographic area that it serves, be that a city centre, an entire town or a specific site (e.g. shopping centre), from which consolidate deliveries are carried out within that area. A range of other value-added logistics and retail services can also be provided at the UCC.

The work carried out in this project suggests that, from a logistics perspective, the major potential beneficiaries from the establishment of UCCs would be:

1. Introduction
2. Synthesis of Key Issues
3. Appraisal of Urban Consolidation Centre Schemes
4. A Framework for Urban Consolidation Centre Evaluation
5. Conclusions
6. Recommendations

• Appendix 1: Summary Review of Literature
• Appendix 2: UCC Data Sheets
• Appendix 3: Interview Topic Guide
• Appendix 4: UCC Classification Proposed by Other Authors

Publication Year:

2005

Publisher:

Department for Transport

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

Browne, M., Sweet, M., Woodburn, A. and Allen, J.