In recent years, a number of urban freight projects have been commissioned by Austroads. These include: * Project FS1550 — The Impact of Light Commercial Vehicles/Rigid Trucks in Urban Networks Project FS1703 — Light Freight: Understanding its Role in Urban Logistics * Project FS1806 — The Development of a Policy Framework to Support Safety, Efficiency and Productivity of Freight in the Urban Context. A conclusion from the above reports was that future research projects in the freight program should include a broad examination of freight vehicles used in the urban freight task. Taking this recommendation into account, project FS1999 seeks to investigate the hypothesis that off-peak (or out-of-hours) deliveries in urban areas have potential to both reduce congestion and assist freight and logistics operations. The project examines key drivers of existing practices and identifies the barriers inhibiting off-peak freight movement. Notably, the project has identified methods and options to overcome these barriers, and recommends a number of trials and further work to reduce demand in peak periods. The objectives of FS1999 are to provide comprehensive insight into: 1. What drives current supply chain operations and time-of-day freight movement in urban areas? (Section 2 and 7) 2. Barriers (obstacles) to changing freight movement to off-peak (Section 8 and 9) 3. Potential ways to overcome these barriers (obstacles) (Sections 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12). Section 2 provides a brief outline of recent government freight strategies which highlight off-peak deliveries as a potential means to manage congestion and reduce truck operating costs. Section 3 outlines the global trends in urban freight deliveries and identifies some urban freight initiatives and innovations around the world changing the way freight is transported. Section 7 involves consultation with industry to understand current practices in the supply chain and outlines the drivers to the time of operation. Sections 8 and 9 outline the obstacles limiting the uptake of off-peak delivery including hurdles with local government in the areas of regulation and planning laws. A critical component of this project is to determine ways to overcome obstacles to off-peak deliveries. Sections 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12 provide insight into freight strategies around the world for improving freight efficiency, and potential ways to promote off-peak freight movement. The project was conducted in three phases as follows: Phase 1 — Researched examples of initiatives from around the world (including Australia) which promote the movement of freight in the off-peak periods and their pros and cons. ARRB consulted with experts to obtain information on urban freight movement and city logistics around the world. People working internationally within the field of freight were also consulted via teleconference, to understand the limiting factors to changing operating times, and the strategies trialled or implemented to overcome these. A literature review was conducted to further explore initiatives promoting off-peak deliveries. A working paper comprising the outputs of Phase 1 was delivered. Phase 2 — Examined different supply chains and their practices in Australia and New Zealand, and identified working examples of successful off-peak operations. Phase 2 also identified any further recommended options to pursue in Australia. Phase 2 predominantly involved industry engagement to identify essential factors which make off-peak delivery feasible, including factors involved in local government consent. Discussions with more than 60 people across 40 organisations were held to identify a way forward for off-peak deliveries. A working paper comprising the outputs of Phase 1 and Phase 2 was delivered. Phase 3 — Identified supply chains and organisations in Victoria (and possibly elsewhere) interested in participating in a trial. Phase 3 also identified additional work that could be undertaken in future projects. A plan to implement pilot trials was established using the findings of the Phase 1 literature review and Phase 2 stakeholder consultation. Associated evaluation criteria were defined for the trials. A working paper comprising the outputs of Phase 3 was delivered. The international literature uses a number of terms to describe off-peak deliveries; these include the terms out-of-hours deliveries, off-hours deliveries, after hours, re-timing, and extended hours deliveries. For the most part, these terms all refer to using quieter times of the day to schedule deliveries for the purpose of reducing delays and costs. For much of this report the terminology off-peak deliveries is used, however other terms are used from time to time reflecting the fact that peak periods can vary by country, city, day of the week and time of day, and that extending delivery times may be needed to improve operations. As the project progressed it was clear that there are a number of barriers to implementing off-peak deliveries but through discussion, collaboration, new technology and understanding most barriers can be overcome. In many cases the biggest barrier is finding the right people and organisations to talk to and collaborate with. Accordingly the term ‘obstacle’ is predominantly used in this report, rather than the word ‘barrier’. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting