freight & logistics management

 In common with transit systems, freight and logistics management involves a significant degree of fleet management. Knowing whether vehicles are located any given time and providing an optimum itinerary a central to the efficiency of freight and logistics. While urban logistics has a different set of needs than intercity freight, there are some commonalities. 

Like transit, sensors on board the vehicle combined with the telecommunications network is used to transmit data regarding the vehicle back to a central dispatching or command-and-control point. In the back-office, sophisticated computer algorithms are used to optimize delivery schedules based on current performance and future customer demands.

Here again the introduction of automated vehicle technology is expected to lead to significant efficiencies in both urban logistics and intercity freight delivery. The introduction of automated vehicles for intercity freight has already started with road trials of systems that can manage platoons of trucks, either using a single driver or no driver. Automation in urban deliveries been pioneered by fast food companies such as pizza delivery companies. 

This whole area is also expected to be impacted by the introduction of urban air mobility which will add a third dimension to urban logistics and offer additional capability for first and last mile connection.