From city logistics theories to city logistics planning

This paper analyzes the process that should guide the definition of a city logistics plan according to the indications provided by the large literature on this topic. Moving from several literature findings that push to define city logistics theories, the process to follow for designing city logistics plans has been investigated focusing on a real test case. In particular, this paper thinks back over the implementation of the city logistics plan in the Calabria region (Italy), a region with some experience in city logistics. According to the literature overview and the sustainability goals pursued by the regional government, a set of city logistics measures were selected to address such goals. Therefore, the first section summarizes the methods, models and indications coming from the application field and, subsequently, the focus is on the interconnected processes to study and implement city logistics. Finally, the implementation process of a city logistics plan is specified and the real case of the Calabria region is discussed.