An investigation of how consolidation and collaboration between stakeholders in a local supply chain can improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of city logistics.

Abstract

The objective of the thesis is to implement consolidation and collaboration between stakeholders in a local supply chain to improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability aspects of city logistics. The following research question has been developed: “How can consolidation and collaboration between stakeholders in a local supply chain improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of city logistics?” A case study has been used as our research strategy since we are investigating a limited geographical area. The study has mainly a deductive approach emphasizing quantification in the collection and analysis of data. Data was obtained through questionnaire distributed to the retailers and transporters operating in the area, and is secondary data provided to us from researchers in Rogaland Fylkeskommune. Our main focus have been to prove the benefits of having all actors involved when implementing new initiatives within city logistics, emphasizing the economic, social and environmental aspect. The developed research models contributes to all three aspect, and reduced impact from freight vehicles were obtained from both. Focusing on consolidation and collaboration in city logistics measures has lead to the decrease of traffic congestion, proven by the reduction in annual deliveries of 27 000. The delivery time for the average transporter have been reduced through consolidating the goods by using a local consolidation centre. Through replacing the 102 ordinary freight vehicles with diesel motors with electric vehicles, an average reduction of 61 kilograms NO2 per year can be expected.