Externalities of urban logistics: challenges and opportunities for achieving smart and sustainable cities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64976/jbtm.7

Keywords:

urban logistics, urban freight distribution, urban freight transport, city logistics, externalities, smart cities, sustainable cities

Abstract

Although urban logistics is vital for cities, it is often provided inefficiently and current trends are unsustainable, creating an urgent need to find innovative ways to reduce its externalities. This article presents a systematic review of the literature with the aim of analysing in depth the negative externalities associated with urban logistics, such as traffic congestion, pollutant emissions, energy consumption, accidents and noise. In addition to analysing these and other challenges, the article offers technological, organisational and governance proposals to promote a transition towards smart and sustainable cities in line with the sustainability and efficiency challenges of the 2030 Agenda and the principles of Logistics 5.0.

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Author Biographies

Lorena Quidiello Vázquez, International University of La Rioja, Spain

Dr. Lorena Quidiello is the Coordinator of the International Academic Area at Bureau Veritas. Her professional career is focused on teaching at the International University of La Rioja, Spain, delivering, tutoring and coordinating various training programs.

Jose Manuel Montes, University of Oviedo, Spain

Dr. Jose Manuel Montes is a professor of Business Organization at the University of Oviedo, Spain, where he has taught numerous courses on logistics, having been the director of its Master's program in Transport and Logistics Management.

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2025-11-28

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