Much has been written regarding long-range freight trips, intermodal activities and international trips, but less about challenges to freight delivery in urban environments and the last mile delivery. This paper is focused on issues and constraints to urban freight delivery and the last mile challenge in Chicago. The recommendations presented here are based on an extensive field survey, interviews with delivery managers, drivers and receivers as well as a review of best practices in other cities. The field survey was conducted to identify physical conditions and constraints as well as models of delivery efficiency. The findings of the study highlight unique issues associated with urban freight delivery and may serve as a basis for other cities to study urban freight delivery and work to improve delivery efficiency, reduce congestion and reduce costs.
Abstract