A Demand-oriented Approach to Design a Logistics Network for Optimizing Freight Transport

This research aims to determine the optimal location and size (service capacities) of terminals providing logistics services within sicilian area. To reach this purpose, the methodology presented in this work uses an objective function which mathematicizes some important public interestes and takes into account the reactions of freight transport operators. The investigated matter is modeled by a sequential framework that consists of two levels of problems: Ø the strategic level (planner’s choice dimension), that is to minimize an objective function which includes facility costs (terminals construction, running), transportation costs, external effects, functions of the service capacities. Ø The tactical level (transport operator’s choice dimension) that could be composed of two stages: Logistics service choice, which could be simulated by a Nested Logit Model calibrated through a Stated Preferences survey; this analytical tool is able to riproduce the behaviour of the single operator, whose goal is the maximization of his utility, taking into account the statistical correlation among similar alternatives. Assignment of freight flows to a graph representing the real transportation network; this graph is supplemented with nodes, which refer to sites where the creation of a logistics platform providing some specific services for goods is feasible (from a technical-economicalenvironmental point of view), and with links that symbolize the costs of the considered services; the assignment procedure is carried out according to the User Equilibrium Approach. An MSA algorithm could be implemented to reach an optimal solution through successive iterations. Furthermore, modelling freight transport operators’ bahaviour will make it possible to weigh up the possibility of using Project Financing techniques to create and manage the proposed logistics network.