One of the main issues within the goods transport field today is urban goods distribution. Problems arise because: (1) efficiency improvement is difficult due to congestion and government measures; and (2) there are environmental problems like noise and air pollution. Neither the sprawl of shops nor the relocation of shopping centres out of the city centres is a good measure to solve these problems. The real solution will be the development of physical distibution concepts which are not limited to companies, but aimed at the improvement of the goods transport efficiency on a city level. Therefore, an integral physical distibution system should be developed, according to the wishes of shippers, receivers, transport companies and owners of infrastructure. (A)
Samenvatting