A conceptual framework for agent-based modelling of logistics services

This paper presents an agent-based microsimulation framework that represents the diversity of roles and functions of actors in the freight system, how they interact through markets and how interactions between actors are established in markets through contracts. The framework provides sensitivity to technology trends, business trends, and policy scenarios. Logistics costs, outsourcing of logistics services to third party logistics firms, growth or retraction of various industry sectors, and the impact of new supply channels are explicitly represented. Data sources available in Toronto, Canada and new data collection efforts required for model estimation are described.