The impact on urban distribution operations of upstream supply chain constraints

Michael Browne; Mireia Gomez

doi:10.1108/09600031111175843

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International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

ISSN: 0960-0035

Online from: 1971

Subject Area: Operations and Logistics Management

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The impact on urban distribution operations of upstream supply chain constraints

Document Information:
Title:	The impact on urban distribution operations of upstream supply chain constraints
Author(s):	Michael Browne, (Transport Studies Department, University of Westminster, London, UK), Mireia Gomez, (Transport Studies Department, University of Westminster, London, UK)
Citation:	Michael Browne, Mireia Gomez, (2011) "The impact on urban distribution operations of upstream supply chain constraints", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 41 Iss: 9, pp.896 - 912
Keywords:	CO2 emissions, Costs, Delivery restrictions, Distribution management, Freight forwarding, Logistics management, Supply chain management, United Kingdom, Urban distribution
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/09600031111175843 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	The authors would like to acknowledge the help provided by the distribution company featured in the article and also the advice of the anonymous reviewers.
Abstract:	Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and quantify the impact of delivery restrictions on costs and environmental performance for a distribution operation. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered from a company and several scenarios with varying delivery restrictions were investigated. Findings – The results show significant reductions in cost and environmental impacts are achieved when restrictions are relaxed. However, the research also highlighted the importance of adopting a supply chain (SC) approach to the removal of restrictions and the need for public/private sector cooperation. Research limitations/implications – The case study is based on one company only. However, the company performs many trips each day to many different customers. Practical implications – The paper provides insight into the scope for change in the SC decision-making processes in order to reduce environmental impacts (and identifies limitations). Originality/value – The paper is a contribution to better understanding the importance of logistics decisions and not only transport when considering urban freight problems.