Data-Driven Logistics Management and Digital Reservation-Based Freight Transport
Due to its increasing trade volume and dense urban structure, Istanbul faces significant challenges in urban logistics operations. Irregular loading and unloading activities in high-density trade and tourism areas, such as the Historic Peninsula, lead to traffic congestion, time loss, and environmental pollution.
In response to these challenges, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has adopted a data-driven logistics management approach, implementing the Urban Logistics Centre concept across the city and aiming to establish urban consolidation centres. This innovative system targets the planning of urban transportation processes through smart technologies and data analytics, dynamic management of operations, optimisation of delivery routes in city centres, and minimisation of environmental impacts.
The Urban Consolidation Centres model provides a data-based and hierarchical structure for freight transport from production to the last mile. Extending from main consolidation centres to districts and from there to micro centres at the neighbourhood scale, this system increases occupancy rates and operational efficiency while reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and contributing to the formation of a sustainable urban logistics ecosystem.
Within this scope, the pilot project implemented in the Laleli district, designated as a Low Emission Zone, regulates freight vehicle access to the area through a digital reservation system, supports environmental sustainability, and makes the area more pedestrian-friendly. This application was internationally recognised and received the Healthy Cities Best Practice Award in 2022.
Istanbul’s data-driven logistics strategy not only optimises urban mobility but also pioneers the transition to a sustainable, integrated, and human-centred transportation system as part of its smart city vision.
Written by:
Orhan AKICI
Director
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Logistics Management Directorate
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