EU logistics expertise goes global
Ever since the legal and physical barriers between its Member States were dismantled, the EU has built very solid freight logistics systems that encourage trade, commerce and economic prosperity. As trade rises globally and transport routes increase along with it, other regions of the world are seeking the EU's support in creating urban logistic systems that help economies flourish. The EU-funded project 'Transferability of urban logistic concepts and practices from a worldwide perspective' (Turblog_WW) is transferring EU expertise and global logistics knowledge to other parts of the world. In particular, the project is investigating logistics from a regional perspective that comprises Brazil and Peru, but also from a general worldwide perspective. It is identifying best practices and exchanging knowledge in the field through case studies and workshops to compare experiences among Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. The project team is establishing an extended global network of urban freight experts, users and systems providers. It is also creating a platform for new concepts on urban-friendly transport systems and freight distribution, contributing to the vision of sustainable urban mobility. The project's mandate involves the harmonisation of concepts and systems for data collection, as well as development of more environmental loading and unloading systems and infrastructure. In parallel, Turblog_WW is networking with key logistics organisations and cooperating with other similar projects. It has conducted several workshops, established the project website and produced reports on different regions of the world, including one on urban logistic solutions and data collection techniques. Other expected outcomes include sets of guidelines for urban mobility authorities, logistics operators and service providers, in addition to recommendations for urban mobility development and logistics development. Societies and communities may ultimately benefit from a reduction in road traffic and more efficient transport, thanks to better logistics and better evaluation of services. The new approaches, which focus on integrating urban freight into urban mobility policies, in addition to transferring European best practices abroad, are set to improve the logistics sphere worldwide. Such enhanced mobility and freight services should open new horizons in trade, commerce, travel and tourism, effectively contributing to a more robust global economy with Europe at its centre.
