Consequences of logistics sprawl: Order or chaos? - the case of a parcel service company in Paris metropolitan area

Logistics sprawl is the phenomenon driving warehouses and freight terminals further away from city centers, for reasons that are mostly dependent on urban planning, field price economies of scale. In past, studies have already described logistics in Paris Metropolitan area. These concluded logistic facilities far center increased distance travelled, by extension, CO2 emissions. This study does not question metropolitan area but questions its consequences. presents a point view location cross-docking terminals. One main parcel service carrier was studied through database strong 600,000 inputs including pick-ups deliveries two months intended to be representative all merchandise flows makes it possible understand running one significant actor. project aims at determining optimum according criteria: minimization total as calculated Euclidean (as crow flies) between points pick-up/ delivery, number authorized The modified relationship with spatial distribution clients. Interestingly, we found optimized locations this located outside center. Those minimize clients, thus, best places limit pollution. reason manages perimeter polycentric organization. viewed several sectors whole carrier. It therefore unknown how carrier's performance has evolved over time, current organization close optimal situation.