Analysis of freight distribution flows in an urban functional area

Cities are a huge growing market for distribution companies (logistics), whose object is to cover goods/products supply requirements, deliver parcels and replenish stocks. Supplying the companies and businesses located in cities is a daily challenge for any logistics company. Among various existing city models, the so-called compact cities presently tend to have more pedestrian zones in cities, which consequently affect surrounding areas; e.g., limited parking areas, restricted access for traffic, difficulties to enter with goods, and even access difficulties for the neighbors who live in these areas. The main objective of this work was to analyze logistic flows by paying special attention to the detailed description of traffic that depends on the urban outline in order to analyze the logistic flows of goods, and to discuss different policies to improve urban goods logistics without forgetting that routes exist and form part of a the development of a more humane city, where delivery vehicles enter pedestrian zones. This study focused on the center of the city of Cartagena (Spain), a Mediterranean compact city characterized by having numerous pedestrian zones.