Modeling and analysis of alternative distribution and Physical Internet schemes in urban area

TL;DR

This paper develops a methodology to evaluate and optimize urban logistics distribution schemes, incorporating external impacts like pollution and congestion, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Physical Internet scheme in Bordeaux.

Contribution

It introduces an analytical optimization model for urban logistics that considers sustainability and external impacts, highlighting the benefits of the Physical Internet scheme.

Findings

PI scheme improves distribution performance in Bordeaux

Optimization model effectively evaluates different schemes

External impacts significantly influence scheme efficiency

Abstract

Urban logistics is becoming more complicated and costlier due to new challenges in recent years. Since the main problem lies on congestion, the clean vehicle is not necessarily the most effective solution. There is thus a need to redesign the logistics networks in the city. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate different distribution schemes in the city among which we find the most efficient and sustainable one. External impacts are added to the analysis of schemes, including accident, air pollution, climate change, noise, and congestion. An optimization model based on an analytical model is developed to optimize transportation means and distribution schemes. Results based on Bordeaux city show that PI scheme improves the performances of distribution.