United States-European Commission Urban Freight Twinning Initiative: Compendium of Project Summaries
Overview of Second Annual Urban Freight Roundtable at 2017 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting
FOREWORD
Freight transportation systems are undergoing significant, transformative changes. New technologies such as autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones) could dramatically change how and where goods move. In response to consumers' growing demand for faster deliveries of products, new business models and services are competing with traditional shipping methods. Furthermore, changes to the industry are occurring due to the rise of "big data"—the capture, management, and analysis of very large and diverse volumes of data. There are a number of opportunities on the horizon to use new data sources and analytical techniques to improve the condition and operation of freight transportation networks.
Despite these changes, some fundamental truths about our society remain. First, cities cannot survive without well-functioning systems for goods movement. As home to more than 80 percent of the U.S. population1, urban areas require a constant flow of food, fuel, and other essentials. Second, cities will continue to act as key centers of economic activity, serving as critical gateways for interregional and international trade. It is through cities that U.S. goods are delivered to the world market, and where international goods arrive from around the world. Freight movement into, out of, and through cities is critical to ensure that these places remain vibrant centers to work, live, and play.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) understands the critical importance of safe, efficient, and reliable urban goods movement and is committed to helping States, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities, and other stakeholders improve the management of urban freight flows. FHWA is currently developing resources in several areas to assist partners with improved freight mobility. Some of these areas include guidance and best practices in truck parking, performance measures, off-hours delivery, freight data, and in facilitating partnerships for collaboration and sharing of innovative strategies.
This compendium of urban freight initiatives is a product of FHWA's ongoing coordination with the European Commission (EC). The initiatives illustrate a range of strategies to improve urban goods movement both in the U.S. and internationally. These initiatives offer ideas for consideration and discussion with your partners including in freight planning and project delivery innovations. If you are interested in learning more about a particular initiative, we encourage you to contact the expert staff identified at the end of each summary.
Martin Knopp
Associate Administrator for Operations
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
Herald Ruijters
Director of Investment, Innovative & Sustainable Transport
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
European Commission
