Defining Urban Freight Microhubs: A Case Study Analysis

Urban freight distribution has confronted several challenges, including negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. Many city logistics initiatives that use the concept of Urban Consolidation Centers (UCCs) have failed. The failure of many UCCs does not mean that the idea of additional terminals or microhubs should be rejected. There is limited knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of using microhubs, requiring further exploration of this concept. To expand this knowledge, this research combines 17 empirical cases from Europe and North America to develop a framework for classifying different microhubs typologies. This research presents an integrated view of the cases and develops a common language for understanding microhub typologies and definitions. The research proposes microhubs as an important opportunity to improve urban freight sustainability and efficiency and one possible step to manage the challenge of multi-sector collaboration.

Automated summary

Urban freight distribution faces multiple challenges, and the success or failure of Urban Consolidation Centers (UCCs) does not determine the viability of microhubs. Limited knowledge exists regarding the advantages and disadvantages of microhubs, necessitating further exploration. This research combines 17 empirical cases to develop a framework for classifying different microhub typologies and establishes a common language for understanding these classifications. Microhubs are proposed as a significant opportunity to enhance urban freight sustainability and efficiency, addressing the challenges of multi-sector collaboration.