Planning urban distribution center location with variable restocking demand scenarios: General methodology and testing in a medium-size town

The paper proposes a methodology for the evaluation of an Urban Distribution Center (UDC) location in order to pursue sustainability goals. The methodology integrates indications deriving from public policies (objectives and constraints) and efficiency needs of carriers and retailers. For this reason, two planning levels are integrated into the methodology: an outer level in which a set of feasible UDC locations is defined; an inner level in which, for each location, the carrier behaviour in delivering freight to a set of retailers, characterized by variable restocking demand, is simulated (by means of a vehicle routing problem). The aim of the paper is to support the planning of city logistics measures by means of quantitative evaluations; that could be carried out by public authority to verify sustainability of logistic operations. A laboratory test is implemented in the town of Reggio Calabria (Southern Italy) to assess the effects of a combination of two city logistics measures: a nodal physical measure, such as an UDC, and an equipment measure, specifically Fully Electric Vehicles (FEVs).