By Dr Kim Hassall
An area of urban logistics that gets nowhere the attention it deserves is the examination of network structures. What makes a good or a bad freight network? There are some well-known network structures such as ‘hub and spoke’, corridors, cross dock Hubbing as examples. However, many specially constructed networks lead to efficiencies and some less so. Several network options focus on urban operations supplemented with regional network
Hubbing options and some long distance transformations. In some cases, bi-modal road/rail terminals can generate efficiencies not available to either a road only or rail only freight option. Such options can also be used in Construction Network Planning.
One emerging logistics concept is that of a major site consolidation hub. Figure 1 describes a hub and fan network. Commonly seen for a major city despatching to further out regional centres through a regional hub that is not co-located in the larger city.
The reverse is true for a logistics consolidation centre where several suppliers use a consolidation hub to services a major building site. (The lower circle in the figure.) This concept can save a large percentage of dead truck kilometres and alleviate on site congestion.
Logistics Consolidation Hubs were used for the London Olympics:
Not only did the CLOCS construction Logistics Safety Standard emerge following the 2012 London Olympics but the use of Logistics consolidation hubs appeared in the construction run up for major facilities. Mike Browne mentions this in the linked presentation below.
The London 2012 Olympics: The Implications for Urban Freight
Hanoi is catching on
Hanoi has also adopted the concept of constructing logistic hubs and the initial trials were presented at the international City Logistics Conference in Penang last year by Associate Professor Thanh Thi My Truong. Her paper was titled “Construction logistics in urban areas: Challenges for the development of construction consolidation centres in Hanoi, Vietnam.” It described these initial Logistics consolidation centre trials in Hanoi. The paper is available upon request.
Will the concept be used for the Brisbane Olympics?