Freight and distribution in cities

The impact on city logistics of increasing public interest in the quality of the built environment, the streetscape and air quality is examined. The importance of electric vehicles and urban consolidation centres for discharging the freight task in urban areas is looked at. The reshaping of logistics in urban areas through the emergence of omnichannel retail is reviewed and the potential niche to be filled by driverless vehicles, in particular, autonomous mobile lockers, is identified. The increasing promotion of the circular economy, in particular, recycling, is leading to the growth of reverse logistics and as-a-service business models in logistics. The emergence of the sharing economy is revolutionising home delivery, but the accompanying gig economy is raising as yet unresolved social issues.