We have conducted a study that is intended to investigate and understand how logistics companies in city logistics handle increased e-commerce challenges and describe what actions they take. To be able to do that, two question formulations have been formulated that goes: “What challenges, caused by an increased e-commerce, exist for logistics companies within city logistics?” and “What are logistics companies doing to address the challenges that exist and that are caused by increased e-commerce?”. Further is the theoretical frame of references presented where challenges and innovations for logistics companies in city logistics is a central point. We have used a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews have been used to get the essential information to be able to analyze towards our theoretical frame of references. Headliners that are found in the theoretical frame of references reappear in both the empirical material and the analysis to get a common thread throughout the study. In the analysis, we have our question formulations as headliners to really analyze challenges and innovations. Our study has contributed to an increased understanding of how logistics companies handle an increased e-commerce challenge and describe what actions they take. We have noted that the increased e-commerce has led to challenges for logistics companies in city logistics. We concluded that e-commerce has become more complex with shorter lead time, more but smaller packages and higher demands from consumers have been added, which is considered a challenge for logistics companies. The study shows the main challenges that increased e-commerce brought. The study also shows various innovations and actions by logistics companies within city logistics. / Vi har gjort en studie som är ämnad att undersöka och förstå hur logistikföretag inom citylogistik hanterar ökade e-handelsutmaningar samt beskriva åtgärder de vidtar. För att kunna göra det har vi utgått från två frågeställningar som lyder: “Vilka utmaningar, orsakade av ökad e-handel, finns för logistikföretag inom citylogistik?” och “Vad görlogistikföretag inom citylogistik för att hantera de utmaningar som finns och som är orsakade av ökad e-handel?” Vidare presenteras det teoretiska referensram där utmaningar och innovationer för logistikföretag inom citylogistik är en central del. Vi har använt oss utav ett kvalitativt angreppssätt där vi har genomfört semistrukturerade intervjuer för att få den väsentliga informationen för att kunna analysera gentemot vår teoretiska referensram. Rubriker som finns i den teoretiska referensramen återkommer i både det empiriska materialet och analysen för att få en röd tråd genom hela studien. I analysen har vi däremot våra frågeställningar som huvudrubriker för att verkligen analysera utmaningarna och innovationerna. Vår studie har bidragit med en ökad förståelse hur logistikföretag inom citylogistik hanterar ökad e-handelsutmaningar samt vilka åtgärder de vidtar. Vi har konstaterat att den ökade e-handeln har medfört utmaningar för logistikföretag inom citylogistik. E-handelslogiken har blivit mer komplex på senaste tiden där korta ledtider, fler men mindre paket och högre krav från konsumenterna har tillkommit vilket anses som utmaningar för logistikföretagen. Studien visar på de huvudsakliga utmaningarna som ökad e-handel medfört. Studien visar även på olika innovationer och åtgärder som används av logistikföretag inom citylogistik.

[pt] Nos últimos anos o comércio eletrônico tem se difundido na sociedade e a logística de entrega dos produtos é um dos pilares para que este mercado mantenha o nível de serviço alto e continue sendo vantajoso para o consumidor decidir por realizar a compra pela internet. O presente trabalho se destina a estudar sobre o problema de roteamento de veículos de entrega last-mile para e-commerce e aplicar a metaheurística Iterated Local Search (ILS) visando otimizar o roteamento do trecho last-mile de encomendas realizadas em uma empresa de comércio eletrônico brasileira. Com o objetivo de encontrar rotas de menor custo para as entregas a serem realizadas, este trabalho propõe uma extensão para o Vehcile Routing Problem With Occasional Drivers (VRPOD),considerando frota heterogênea e motoristas ocasionais realizando o transporte de mais de uma entrega. Para a aplicação do método foram utilizados dados fornecidos por uma empresa de e-commerce que foram devidamente anonimizados de forma a não ser possível identificar a empresa e nem os clientes, respeitando os princípios éticos. Foram utilizadas 121 instâncias, sendo a menor com um vértice e a maior com 344. Os resultados do modelo proposto são apresentados em dois cenários, primeiramente considerando que o roteamento é realizado sem a utilização de motoristas ocasionais. O segundo cenário considera a disponibilização de motoristas ocasionais para serem utilizados em algumas rotas. Ambos os cenários foram comparados com as rotas geradas pelo roteador existente hoje na companhia e os resultados preliminares indicam que o sem a utilização de motoristas ocasionais o ILS proposto obtém melhores soluções em 53.72 por cento das instâncias e quando os motoristas ocasionais são incorporados a rota ocorre melhoria em 76.03 por cento das instâncias utilizadas. A utilização de motoristas ocasionais também proporciona uma redução de 10.30 por cento no custo médio de roteamento. / [en] In recent years, e-commerce has become widespread in society, and the logistics of product delivery is a crucial pillar for this market to maintain a high level of service and remain advantageous for consumers choosing to make purchases online. The present work aims to study the problem of last-mile vehicle routing for e-commerce deliveries and apply an Iterated Local Search (ILS) metaheuristic to optimize the routing of parcels in a Brazilian e-commerce company. With the objective of finding routes with the lowest cost for the deliveries, this study proposes an extension to the Vehicle Routing Problem with Occasional Drivers (VRPOD), considering a heterogeneous fleet and occasional drivers handling multiple deliveries. For the methodology application, data provided by an e-commerce company are used, and they are properly anonymized to prevent the identification of the company and its clients, respecting ethical principles. A total of 121 instances are used, ranging from the smallest with one vertex to the largest with 344. The results of the proposed model are presented in two scenarios: firstly, considering routing without the use of occasional drivers, and secondly, considering the availability of occasional drivers for some routes. Both scenarios are compared with the routes generated by the current router used in the company, and preliminary results indicate that without the use of occasional drivers, the proposed ILS obtains better solutions in 53.72 percent of the instances, and when occasional drivers are incorporated into the route, improvements occur in 76.03 percent of the instances. The utilization of occasional drivers also provides a 10.30 percent reduction in the average routing cost.

The rapid growth of E-commerce around the world has prompted related stakeholders to place a greater emphasis on automation. Catastrophes like pandemics are boosting the public demand for quick and efficient transportation, among others. Automated vehicle technologies are associated with the last-mile delivery operations that lead to improving sustainability and Smart Cities. In this context, Autonomous Vehicles are being explored as a viable urban logistics solution.This empirical thesis conducts a feasibility study to investigate the feasibility of incorporating an Autonomous Vehicle into E-commerce operations in Stockholm, Sweden. A case study is analyzed by foodora AB, a German company that operates as a distributor of food and goods in the Swedish market. The study provides a framework that depicts the issues faced by Q- commerce, Operational Planning, and Stakeholders, respectively when introducing Autonomous Vehicles. The results of the study’s qualitative and quantitative approach show that Stockholm's infrastructure is in line with the sustainability plans and is considered ready for droid operations. According to the findings, the utilization rate that is defined as the number of orders delivered per hour can be as high as 2.4 resulting in a high degree of customer satisfaction. However, regulations, classifications, weather conditions, and internet connectivity continue to be major challenges. Autonomous Vehicles must be included in legislative consideration as a mode of transportation in the future to facilitate operations and safety measures. / Den snabba tillväxten av e-handel runtom i världen har fått närstående intressenter att lägga större vikt vid automatisering. Katastrofer som pandemier ökar allmänhetens krav på bland annat snabba och effektiva transporter. Autonoma fordon är förknippade med ”last-mile” transporter av gods som leder till förbättrad hållbarhet och smarta städer. I detta sammanhang utforskas autonoma fordon som en livskraftig citylogistik-lösning.Denna empiriska avhandling genomför en genomförbarhetsstudie för att undersöka möjligheten att integrera ett autonomt fordon i e-handelsverksamheten i Stockholm, Sverige. I synnerhet analyseras en fallstudie av foodora AB, ett tyskt företag som är verksamma som distributör av matvaror på den svenska marknaden. Studien ger ett ramverk som visar de frågor som Q-handel, operativ planering respektive intressenter står inför vid ett införande av autonoma fordon. Resultaten av studiens kvalitativa och kvantitativa tillvägagångssätt visar att Stockholms infrastruktur är i linje med hållbarhetsplanerna och till synes redo för droid leveranser. Enligt resultaten kan utnyttjandegraden, definierad som antal utförda orderleveranser inom en timme, vara så hög som 2,4, vilket resulterar i en hög grad av kundtillfredsställelse. Regler, klassificeringar, väderförhållanden och internetanslutning är dock fortfarande stora utmaningar. Autonoma fordon måste tas med i lagstiftningen som ett transportmedel i framtiden för att underlätta drift och säkerhetsåtgärder.

Fler konsumenter väljer att handla på internet. Vare sig det handlar om bekvämlighet eller priser har denna ökning en påverkan på hur detaljhandel sköts och distribueras. Kundkraven ändras och konsumenten har mer att säga till om. Rapporten syftar till att beskriva hur en ökad e-handel har påverkat och fortsatt kommer att påverka distributionen av detaljhandelsvaror nationellt. Den beskriver även hur ökningen påverkar distributionsföretagen och hur dessa i sin tur valt att agera för att bemöta förändringen som sker på marknaden. Vad som påverkar distributionsbolagen mest kommer också att beröras och rapporten ger en bild av e-handelns påverkan på distributionsföretagen. De slutsatser som kunnat dras av rapporten är att de ökande volymerna av gods från e-handel i dagsläget inte påverkat företagen nämnvärt, men att förändringar förmodligen kommer att behöva ske inom vissa områden i framtiden. Ökningen av e-handelsgods har gett distributionsföretagen en högre volym att hantera. De ökade volymerna för även med sig ytterligare kostnader i den mest kostsamma delen av distributionen, the last mile, genom att det blir fler leveranser till konsumentens hem. På grund av denna ökade kostnad ser distributionsföretagen ett behov av att öka sina vinstmarginaler genom att erbjuda konsumenten olika tilläggstjänster. Ytterligare ser företagen att det har blivit förändringar i de krav konsumenterna ställer. Krav på leveransservice blir allt högre och pressen på distributionsföretagen att ha kvalitet i sin produktion ökar. I dagens läge konstateras att volymerna alltjämt är för låga för att motivera en omfattande affärsutveckling med dyra investeringar för att möta den nivå av ökning som hittills skett. Detta kommer förmodligen vara nödvändigt i framtiden om ökningen fortsätter i samma takt som nu. Att utöka kunskapen och arbeta mer aktivt för att främja leveransservice är därför någonting som i rapporten framkommer som viktigt inför framtidens utmaningar. / More consumers choose to shop online. Whether it is because of convenience or prices this increase has an impact on how retailing is managed and distributed. Customer demands change and the consumer has more power. This report aims to describe how an increase in e-commerce has affected and will continue to influence the distribution of retail goods nationally and how it affects the companies providing transportation of e-commerce goods. The report also discuss how the distribution companies act in response to these changes in the market and which areas that have been affected the most. The conclusions drawn from the report is that the increasing volume of goods from e-commerce have not currently affected the distribution companies significantly, however in the future changes are believed to be necessary in certain areas. The increase of e-commerce goods has contributed to a higher volume of goods for distribution companies to manage. These increased volumes bring additional costs to the most expensive part of the distribution, the last mile, by bringing more deliveries to the consumer’s home. Because of this increase in costs, the distribution companies need to increase their margins by offering consumers additional services. Additionally, the companies see a change in the customer demands. Customer demands on delivery service are increasing and the pressure on the distribution companies to have a high quality in their production increases. Today the volume is still too low to justify a heavy business development with costly investments to counter the increasing volume. These changes will probably be necessary in the future if the increase continues at the same rate. To increase the knowledge and evolve the delivery service is something that this report indicates to be important in the future.

Cargo cycles can play a considerable role in mitigating the negative impacts of urban freight transport while still ensure that the material needs of the city are fulfilled. Their small size, lower operating costs, smaller carbon footprint, lack of tailpipe emissions, and manoeuvrability in congested areas are considerable advantages over traditional urban freight vehicles. However, the advantages of cargo cycles are not inherent in every urban environment and under all conditions. This problematics is in general insufficiently researched and more context specific knowledge is needed. Thus, this study investigates the obstacles and facilitating factors for utilising cargo cycles in urban freight transport in Stockholm, Sweden. To investigate these context specifications, case study approach was employed and consisted of qualitative content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and observations. This study argues that in Stockholm, contradictory forces affect the utilisation of cargo cycles in urban freight transport. On one hand, the facilitating factors are mostly associated with measures of sustainable urban freight transport and sustainable development in general: reaction to traffic situation; strategic orientation of the city; public-private partnership; and bicycle infrastructure. On the other hand, path dependence of the city connected to traditional urban freight vehicles (vans) symbolises obstacles: the absence of direct planning for cargo cycles; lack of recognition; and inconsistency of bicycle infrastructure.

Os sistemas de comunicação óptica por espaço livre, comumente denominados sistemas FSO (Free Space Optics), servem para estabelecer enlaces de comunicação do tipo wireless, ponto-a-ponto, a uma elevada taxa de dados e com alcances que podem variar de algumas centenas de metros a alguns quilômetros. O interesse pela tecnologia FSO tem sido estimulado pela necessidade de se fornecer soluções complementares às tradicionais (e.g. fibra óptica e RF) visando a atender à crescente demanda por conexões de banda larga. Algumas de suas aplicações mais importantes são a conexão de redes locais de computadores, a conexão de estações rádio base de telefonia móvel às centrais e o acesso de última milha. Embora a tecnologia FSO venha sendo empregada em pequena escala no Brasil, vislumbra-se o potencial de maior aplicação desta tecnologia em um futuro próximo, razão pela qual se propõe este estudo, focado no projeto de sistemas FSO. A principal contribuição deste trabalho é demonstrar uma possível solução para a realização de um enlace óptico operando em espaço livre, destinado a conectar duas redes locais de computadores Ethernet Rápida (100 Mbps). As seguintes atividades foram desenvolvidas: estudo das questões mais relevantes pertinentes ao projeto de sistemas FSO; projeto, construção e caracterização eletro-óptica de circuitos; montagem e demonstração do funcionamento de uma versão de testes do sistema, realizadas em laboratório; estudo de características associadas à transferência de radiação óptica de transmissor para receptor, envolvendo o balanço de potência para estimativa do alcance do enlace, sob condições atmosféricas ideais. Como resultado, obtivemos um sistema de comunicação do tipo full-duplex, operando no comprimento de onda de 850 nm em formato de modulação OOK, a uma taxa de dados efetiva de 125 Mbps. Com base na experiência obtida, melhoras ao sistema são sugeridas no final do trabalho. / Free space optical communication systems (FSO systems) provide wireless, point-to-point communication links at high data rates, at maximum distances ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers. The growing interest in FSO technology arises from the necessity of providing complementary and alternative solutions to those already adopted (eg. fiber optics and RF), aiming to satisfy the increasing demand for broadband connections. Some of its most important applications are connecting local area networks (LANs), backhauling wireless networks and providing last mile access. Although today FSO is not widely adopted in Brazil, the technology has the potential for being adopted in a greater scale in the near future, which is the reason we propose a study focused on issues related to the design of FSO systems. This work\'s main contribution is to demonstrate a possible solution for the construction of a FSO system intended to connect two Fast Ethernet LANs (100 Mbps). For this purpose, the following activities were developed: study of the main aspects related to FSO system design; design, construction and electrooptical characterization of circuits; mounting and demonstration, in the lab, of a test version of the system; study of characteristics related to radiation transfer from transmitter to receiver, involving the use of the link power budget for an estimation of the maximum distance achievable under ideal atmospheric conditions. The result is a full-duplex communication system that employs the 850 nm wavelength in OOK modulation format, operating at an effective bit rate of 125 Mbps. Based on the knowledge achieved, improvements to the system are suggested at the end of this work.

[pt] Os sistemas de comunicações ópticas no espaço livre (Free Space Optics - FSO) tem sido desenvolvidos nos últimos anos no Brasil, contudo ha poucas referencias de estudos realizadas em território nacional. Neste tipo de sistema, um feixe de laser pode carregar informação de um ponto para outro através de uma distância curta (3-4 km), evitando-se o uso das fibras ópticas. Por tanto, FSO tornou-se uma alternativa rápida e muito econômica, principalmente nas áreas urbanas. Este trabalho apresenta um procedimento para a análise, modelamento, e um teste experimental do Free-Space Optics (FSO) é apresentado; sendo realizado dentro do perímetro urbano da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, em 2002. Inicialmente, as características do transmissor e do receptor foram consideradas. Adicionam-se três parâmetros: a perda atmosférica, a perda geométrica e a cintilação. Subseqüentemente, todas as perdas, incluindo outros parâmetros que tratam das perdas adicionais foram expressas em dB e inseridas em uma equação de balanço de potência. A disponibilidade do sistema de FSO é exibida, usando os dados de visibilidade de dois aeroportos, e conduzindo a uma predição sistemática da disponibilidade. Uma atenção especial é focalizada no parâmetro da taxa de erro de bits (BER), que está relacionada com a Recomendação ITU- T G.826. Dentro esta última recomendação, é possível realizar uma análise do FSO com relação à variação climática. A experiência abrangeu períodos curtos em que o Rio de Janeiro apresentou uma névoa forte da manhã. Mostra-se, finalmente, que FSO é uma tecnologia competitiva e confiável na transmissão, desde que seja usada de forma correta e apropriada. / [en] Very few works had been developed in Brazil, dealing with Free-Space Optics (FSO). In this arrangement, a laser beam carries information for a short range (up to 3-4 km), avoiding the use of optical fiber. FSO is a rapidly-improved solution and very economical, specifically in urban areas. In this work a FSO system operating in Rio is described. This work presents a procedure for the analysis, modeling, and a practical trial of a Free-Space Optics (FSO) system is presented. The procedure has been conducted in the urban area of Rio de Janeiro, in 2002. Firstly, the transmitter and receiver characteristics are considered. Next, three additional parameters are introduced: atmospheric loss, geometric loss and scintillation. In this last parameter, a few ways how scintillation might be expressed in dB and translated into a power balance equation, it presents. Other fixed parameters, dealing with additional losses, are subsequently inserted. The FSO system availability is exhibited, using airports visibility data, leading to a prediction of the systemic availability. Attention is then focused on the Bit Error Rate, BER, which relates with the Recommendation ITU- T G.826. Within this last Recommendation, it shows how to perform a FSO analysis with respect to the climatic variation. The experiment has encompassed some short periods in which this city presents a strong morning fog. It is finally shown that FSO is a competitive and reliable transmission technology, provided proper and correct use.

abstract: With high potential for automobiles to cause air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, there is concern that automobiles accessing or egressing public transportation may cause emissions similar to regular automobile use. Due to limited literature and research that evaluates and discusses environmental impacts from first and last mile portions of transit trips, there is a lack of understanding on this topic. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the life cycle impacts of first and last mile trips on multimodal transit. A case study of transit and automobile travel in the greater Los Angeles region is evaluated by using a comprehensive life cycle assessment combined with regional household travel survey data to evaluate first-last mile trip impacts in multimodal transit focusing on automobile trips accessing or egressing transit. First and last mile automobile trips were found to increase total multimodal transit trip emissions by 2 to 12 times (most extreme cases were carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds). High amounts of coal-fired energy generation can cause electric propelled rail trips with automobile access or egress to have similar or more emissions (commonly greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, and mono-nitrogen oxides) than competing automobile trips, however, most criteria air pollutants occur remotely. Methods to reduce first-last mile impacts depend on the characteristics of the transit systems and may include promoting first-last mile carpooling, adjusting station parking pricing and availability, and increased emphasis on walking and biking paths in areas with low access-egress trip distances. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Civil and Environmental Engineering 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the barriers for and their impact cooperation and coopetition for sustainable distribution of Municipality goods in three selected cities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This thesis is based on a qualitative approach using a multiple case study as data collection strategy. The population building up three cases consists of ten Swedish mid-sized cities with an urban consolidation center. Of these are the three cities Växjö, Kalmar and Borlänge sampled and both the municipality and two locally active freight forwarders (one RFP-winner and one non-RFP-winner) per city are interviewed. These interviews aimed at identifying barriers to cooperation between municipalities and freight forwarders and barriers to coopetition between private freight forwarders for a sustainable distribution of municipality goods. The secondary data is based upon three literature streams: Sustainability, Distribution in Urban Environments and, Cooperation and Coopetition. Findings: The results indicate that the main barriers to cooperation from a freight forwarder perspective are incorrect or missing data in the RFP, price for municipality goods distribution and prohibition of goods consolidation. The main barrier to cooperation, fossil fuel free trucks, is a potential future barrier. The main barriers to coopetition are higher costs, lack of trust and price. These barriers have mainly an impact on the economical sustainability but can, and in some cases, will have effects on the other TBL-aspects. Research Limitations/Implications: The findings of this thesis provide the municipality with knowledge about barriers from the perspective of the freight forwarders which can aid construction of future RFPs. It also provides both municipality and freight forwarders with knowledge of the potential future barriers which could affect ongoing cooperation. Lastly it provides involved actors with knowledge of barriers hindering a coopetition approach in distribution, enabling the next step of solving the barriers. The value of this thesis is the knowledge of the implications as well as the combination of the three chosen literature streams which have not been researched in this context previously

Os sistemas de comunicação óptica por espaço livre, comumente denominados sistemas FSO (Free Space Optics), servem para estabelecer enlaces de comunicação do tipo wireless, ponto-a-ponto, a uma elevada taxa de dados e com alcances que podem variar de algumas centenas de metros a alguns quilômetros. O interesse pela tecnologia FSO tem sido estimulado pela necessidade de se fornecer soluções complementares às tradicionais (e.g. fibra óptica e RF) visando a atender à crescente demanda por conexões de banda larga. Algumas de suas aplicações mais importantes são a conexão de redes locais de computadores, a conexão de estações rádio base de telefonia móvel às centrais e o acesso de última milha. Embora a tecnologia FSO venha sendo empregada em pequena escala no Brasil, vislumbra-se o potencial de maior aplicação desta tecnologia em um futuro próximo, razão pela qual se propõe este estudo, focado no projeto de sistemas FSO. A principal contribuição deste trabalho é demonstrar uma possível solução para a realização de um enlace óptico operando em espaço livre, destinado a conectar duas redes locais de computadores Ethernet Rápida (100 Mbps). As seguintes atividades foram desenvolvidas: estudo das questões mais relevantes pertinentes ao projeto de sistemas FSO; projeto, construção e caracterização eletro-óptica de circuitos; montagem e demonstração do funcionamento de uma versão de testes do sistema, realizadas em laboratório; estudo de características associadas à transferência de radiação óptica de transmissor para receptor, envolvendo o balanço de potência para estimativa do alcance do enlace, sob condições atmosféricas ideais. Como resultado, obtivemos um sistema de comunicação do tipo full-duplex, operando no comprimento de onda de 850 nm em formato de modulação OOK, a uma taxa de dados efetiva de 125 Mbps. Com base na experiência obtida, melhoras ao sistema são sugeridas no final do trabalho. / Free space optical communication systems (FSO systems) provide wireless, point-to-point communication links at high data rates, at maximum distances ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers. The growing interest in FSO technology arises from the necessity of providing complementary and alternative solutions to those already adopted (eg. fiber optics and RF), aiming to satisfy the increasing demand for broadband connections. Some of its most important applications are connecting local area networks (LANs), backhauling wireless networks and providing last mile access. Although today FSO is not widely adopted in Brazil, the technology has the potential for being adopted in a greater scale in the near future, which is the reason we propose a study focused on issues related to the design of FSO systems. This work\'s main contribution is to demonstrate a possible solution for the construction of a FSO system intended to connect two Fast Ethernet LANs (100 Mbps). For this purpose, the following activities were developed: study of the main aspects related to FSO system design; design, construction and electrooptical characterization of circuits; mounting and demonstration, in the lab, of a test version of the system; study of characteristics related to radiation transfer from transmitter to receiver, involving the use of the link power budget for an estimation of the maximum distance achievable under ideal atmospheric conditions. The result is a full-duplex communication system that employs the 850 nm wavelength in OOK modulation format, operating at an effective bit rate of 125 Mbps. Based on the knowledge achieved, improvements to the system are suggested at the end of this work.