A modeling approach for locating logistics platforms for fast parcels delivery in urban areas

This study aims at defining a framework for optimizing, in a sustainable way (i.e. economical, eco-friendly and societal), the location of logistics platforms in urban areas. A first case study for our work is the city of Marseilles (France) which already has a logistics platform right in its centre (ARENC: 41362 m2 of warehouses and offices). In this abstract, we first provide a precise description of the problem we intend to solve. We then propose a mathematical model for representing it. Preliminary experimentations, based on the city of Marseilles, are then described; figures and preliminary results which are proposed for this first case study are obtained thanks to a decision-making software we have implemented. Conclusions and future works are finally drawn. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the 7th International Conference on City Logistics