Evaluation of the Cooperative Multi-Carrier Delivery Initiatives

Wang, Xiaokun; Zhou, Yiwei; Conway, Alison; Chen, Quanquan; Kamga, Camille · 2013 · ROSA P / University Transportation Research Center

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Summary

This report evaluates cooperative multi-carrier delivery initiatives, specifically focusing on the feasibility of implementing Urban Freight Consolidation Centers (FCCs) in New York City. The research addresses a gap in existing literature, which has largely focused on freight models and networks rather than the disaggregate behaviors of urban carriers and freight receivers. The study aims to understand how stakeholders interact and make decisions regarding collaborative logistics schemes designed to reduce truck trips, increase vehicle utilization, and mitigate negative externalities such as congestion and pollution. The study employs a two-part methodology. First, it analyzes freight delivery patterns using data from a field survey conducted in Manhattan between January and June 2013. Researchers observed 94 truck deliveries and interviewed drivers regarding tour characteristics, including routes, dwell times, load factors, and costs. Statistical models, including Multinomial Logit, hazard-based duration, Poisson, and Tobit models, were applied to identify factors influencing these patterns. Second, the study investigates the decision-making process for FCC development using an experimental economics approach. Graduate students acted as stakeholders—carriers, operators, government officials, and residents—and were incentivized with cash bonuses to mimic real-world decision-making dynamics. The analysis of freight patterns revealed several key determinants of truck behavior. Route choice was influenced by tour duration and commodity type, with I-95 being the most frequently used route for longer tours. Dwell times were generally short (10–30 minutes) and were reduced by higher fine costs and longer tour distances. The total number of stops was negatively correlated with load factor and fleet size, while trucks delivering drinks made significantly more stops. Load factors were generally high, with most trucks fully loaded upon departure; however, tractor-trailers exhibited lower load factors compared to vans. Additionally, the study assessed drivers' willingness to participate in FCCs, finding that attitudes were influenced by company size and operational costs. The experimental economics component simulated stakeholder interactions to assess the viability of FCC implementation under various incentive structures. The findings provide a foundational understanding of urban freight behaviors necessary for designing effective city logistics policies. By identifying the specific factors that influence truck tours and stakeholder willingness, the report offers evidence-based insights for policymakers aiming to implement FCCs. The results suggest that successful implementation requires addressing the specific operational constraints of carriers, such as load factors and stop frequencies, while aligning incentives for all stakeholders. This work contributes to the broader field of sustainable urban logistics by shifting focus from aggregate freight flows to the micro-level decisions of individual agents.

Key finding

Higher load factors and larger fleet sizes are associated with fewer delivery stops, and financial incentives significantly influence stakeholder participation in freight consolidation center implementations.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 94

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• truck driver fatigue