Urban Structure as Determinant of Short Distance Goods Transport

In this study, data on short distance goods transports is analysed in order to determine if variations in the amounts of goods generated could be explained by geographical and demographical variables. The main purpose is to see if the urbanization and concentration of economic activities has resulted in higher efficiency in the production process, thereby severing the link between increased economic activity and increased transport volumes. The study uses yearly data on freight transport made by truck in 21 Swedish counties between 2000 and 2009, making the number of observations 210. The final model estimated show that after taking geographical and demographical factors into account there is a negative relationship between economic activity and volume of goods transported. This indicates that it is possible to achieve economic growth without necessarily having to accept higher levels of goods transported locally.