Urban Logistics Measures in MobiliseYourCity SUMPs

Urban logistics and freight are essential for development and economic performance, especially in the Global South, where numerous initiatives—such as the EU’s Global Gateway strategy—aim to enhance their efficiency. However, logistics also significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a transition to more sustainable systems. The MobiliseYourCity Secretariat will increasingly address how cities along transport corridors can manage anticipated increases in goods flow while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and avoiding bottlenecks in multinational logistics. 

A previous article analysed the challenges faced by member cities in urban logistics and freight. The present article summarises measures proposed in MobiliseYourCity SUMPs to address these challenges. 

For a more in-depth presentation of the analysis, read the publication linked at the end of the article! 

 

Logistics and Freight Measures in MobiliseYourCity SUMPs 

Most SUMPs emphasise improving urban logistics efficiency and reducing negative impacts like congestion, pollution, and road safety issues. Prominent measures include regulations, logistics infrastructure creation, urban planning integration, and governance improvements. 

Regulating and Managing Logistics Flows 

Many SUMPs incorporate measures to increase the regulation of logistics flows, addressing the lack of regulation, which has been identified as a significant challenge. Key strategies include: 

• Time and Space Regulations: Implemented in 13 SUMPs, this measure regulates deliveries, particularly heavy vehicle use, with cities like Douala creating guidelines for loading zones. 
• Freight Route Development: Several SUMPs develop freight routes to increase delivery efficiency and reduce congestion, as seen in Trujillo’s focus on prioritising peripheral roads for freight. 
• Formalising the Logistics System: Cities like Bouaké plan to enhance the governance of informal logistics systems to have better oversight of their activities. 
• Compliance Enforcement: Cities like Arequipa are working on enhancing compliance with freight transport regulations through fiscal policies and controls. 

These measures collectively aim to improve urban freight efficiency while decreasing congestion and environmental impacts. 

Creation of Logistics Infrastructure 

Regulatory measures often connect with infrastructure creation, ensuring physical requirements are in place. Approximately half of the SUMPs plan to create logistics hubs, like Ambato’s proposed logistics activity zone, while loading zones in cities like Santo Domingo aim to improve last-mile delivery. Some SUMPs, such as Arequipa’s, target infrastructure adaptations to segregate freight from passenger vehicles. 

Integrating Logistics into Urban Planning 

Some cities also aim to increase land use efficiency and reduce user conflicts by better-integrating logistics into urban planning. Ahmedabad stands out with comprehensive measures embedding logistics in urban development, including freight considerations in street design and developing dedicated urban freight master plans. 

Governance, Knowledge & Capacity Building 

Some SUMPs propose "soft" measures for sustainable logistics, including: 

• Governance Systems: Establishing stakeholder governance for better logistics management. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cities like Ambato and Douala plan stakeholder consultations to develop regulations collaboratively. 
• Knowledge Building: Cities like La Habana plan to monitor logistics indicators, while Yaoundé wants to conduct feasibility studies for logistics infrastructure. 
• Capacity Building: Training for logistics drivers is foreseen in cities like Antofagasta to improve operational efficiency. 

Addressing Environmental Impacts 

While most SUMPs acknowledge logistics' negative environmental impacts, like noise and air pollution, they rarely address them directly in their measures. Instead, cities focus on improving logistics efficiency and reducing congestion, an indirect but cost-effective approach aligned with EASI principles. Only a few cities address decarbonisation of logistics vehicles and sustainable last-mile solutions. 

Particularities of Port and Transport Corridor Cities 

Cities with ports or on major transport corridors face significant challenges and opportunities regarding logistics. For example, Antofagasta plans a logistics platform for better intermodal integration, and Douala aims to enhance last-mile connectivity. 

Conclusion 

Urban logistics is a key component in many SUMPs, with varying degrees of emphasis. Cities like Ahmedabad and Trujillo integrate logistics as a central pillar in their mobility systems, while others mention it less concretely. There's potential for further development, as many SUMPs do not comprehensively address logistics challenges. More research and capacity-building initiatives focusing on urban logistics in the Global South are essential for achieving sustainable mobility systems. 

 

Learn more about our analysis by reading this paper!