Factor influencing Logistics Service Providers Efficiency' in Urban Distribution Systems

The increased urbanization and the awareness of freight transportation impacts have stressed the importance of City Logistics (CL) as a comprehensive approach aimed at mitigating the negative effects of distribution activities without penalizing social, cultural, and economic issues. In this context, a crucial role is played by logistics service providers (LSPs). This paper proposes an empirical analysis on the operational factors determining the level of efficiency of a LSP. This study represents an attempt to develop a panel of operational variables supporting the efficiency of the urban distribution system of LSPs. The potential benefits are both economic and environmental. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.