Urban distribution centers : a means to reducing freight vehicle miles traveled.

PDFTech ReportContract No. 11098 / C-08-23PIN: R021.20.881Freight handlingFreight terminalsCargo facilitiesFreight traffic measurementTon milesNew York (New York)New York (State). Dept. of TransportationPanero, Marta A.Shin, Hyeon-ShicLopez, Daniel PoloRudin Center for Transportation Policy & ManagementNew York State Energy Research and Development AuthorityNew York (State). Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionThe present study examines the model of freight consolidation platforms, and urban distribution centers (UDCs) in particular, as a means to solve the last mile problem of urban freight while reducing vehicle miles traveled and associated environmental impacts. This paper attempts to identify the key characteristics that make UDCs successful and discuss under what contextual settings (e.g., institutional, policy) they work best. After an extensive review of UDC cases already implemented in other countries, the study examined three UDCs cases with potential applicability to the New York metropolitan region, discussing models and relevant features and elements that may be transferred to the New York context