Tactical and operational city logistics: freight vehicle flow modeling

This paper first classifies city logistics measures that city administrators can use to reduce the negative impacts of urban freight transport, in relation to planning (i.e. strategic and tactical/operational). The focus then shifts onto models developed to support the assessment of tactical and operational measures. The assessment procedures require the simulation of freight transport demand and hence the estimation of freight vehicle origin-destination (O-D) flows. These O-D flows can be obtained from the simulation of delivery tours. Therefore, the paper presents a system of models able to simulate delivery tours using an aggregate approach. Such models allow us to capture actors’ choices which can be influenced by tactical and operational measures. They were calibrated and tested using the surveys carried out in the inner area of Rome, where more than 500 truck drivers were interviewed. Some results of the validation of the models are also presented.