Decarbonizing Urban Logistics: Perspectives for Low- and Middle-Income Countries

What initiatives abate urban logistics’ carbon emissions more efficiently and effectively? Numerous theoretical and practical studies address the challenge of reducing carbon emissions from the logistics sector while ensuring the flow of goods to highly urbanized areas. In this position paper, we present and discuss various initiatives seeking to abate urban logistics carbon emissions in the domains of (1) reducing the demand for freight transport or moderating/arresting its growth, (2) shifting freight to lower-carbon transportation modes, (3) optimizing vehicle loading, (4) increasing vehicle energy efficiency, and (5) switching to lower-carbon energy sources. The solutions that we discuss herein range from regulatory to operational and technological. We adopt a holistic approach underlining that urban transport is strongly related to the choices made in the logistics operation, including aspects like consolidation and deconsolidation in the supply chain, as well as how cities may leverage public space to support logistics operations. By conducting a thorough literature review, we illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each initiative, case studies, and practical recommendations. We find that regulatory measures yield better performance in carbon emissions abatement potential and ease of implementation. Thus, we identify the initiatives that have more applicability across the developing world.