Optimizing Parcel Transport and Traffic Dynamics with Dedicated Loading and Unloading Zones

The growing demand for courier, express, and parcel (CEP) services, driven by the rise in online retail, has intensified competition for urban road space, leading to increased congestion. Delivery vehicles frequently resort to second-row parking, obstructing traffic flow and exacerbating delays for motorised individual transport (MIT). However, neither the competitive dynamic between CEP services and MIT nor the loading and unloading zones (LUZs) have been considered in current urban freight transport models. A prevalent consequence of this competition is the obstruction of traffic flow due to delivery vehicles engaging in second-row parking. For solving this issue, LUZs could be an important contribution. To assess the impact of this transport policy measure, ex-ante simulation-based evaluations are necessary. For this reason, we develop a feedback approach between the microscopic traffic simulation SUMO and the mesoscopic, agent-based transport simulation MATSim, which is linked to the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) solver Jsprit to adequately illustrate the interactions between freight transport and MIT. We also apply this approach to assess the impacts of LUZs on traffic flow and environment. We show the effects of the LUZs in the framework of a case study in the district Mitte of Berlin, Germany. The simulation results reveal that the implementation of designated LUZs improves overall traffic flow, increases network travel speeds, and reduces time losses for other road users.