Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a benchmark tool that can be applied to improve corporate social responsibility (CSR) in purchasing. The tool has been tested on two companies that illustrate how the benchmarking tool can be applied.

Design/methodology/approach – A literature review provides arguments for the importance of a benchmarking tool in the area of social responsible purchasing. The literature review also provides information about the practices and activities that can be applied as well as a structure for these. Empirical data are based on the sustainability reports of two companies.

Findings – A benchmarking tool for social responsible purchasing is developed. The tool facilitates companies in their structuring, categorising and presenting of relevant data in order to benchmark their social responsibility in purchasing. The testing of the tool provided concrete examples of activities that can be used to address different aspects of CSR in purchasing.

Practical implications – The largest contribution is the development of a benchmarking tool that can be of great help for companies and organisations in their striving towards increased social responsibility in purchasing. The tool provides guidance to companies who want to understand the areas in which their strengths and weaknesses lie. The paper can also inspire and motivate companies to discover and try new ideas and ways to address CSR matters in purchasing.

Originality/value – The paper develops a benchmarking tool that can be applied in the area of corporate social responsible purchasing.

En stor logistisk miljöutmaning har sin kärna i transporterna. Det är dock hela logistiksystemets utformning som avgör hur transportbehovet ser ut. Genom utformandet av logistiksystem och de krav som ställs på exempelvis underleverantörer kan vi påverka förhållanden långt utanför den egna organisationen.I Hållbara logistiksystem ges en övergripande bild av de  komplexa samband som finns mellan logistik och hållbarhet. Boken  behandlar miljö, samhälle och ekonomi med fokus på den miljö mässiga dimensionen. Ett viktigt ledord är situationsanpassning. Det gäller att förstå den unika situation, kontexten, som en  organisation befinner sig i och hur logistiksystemet ser ut för att kunna identifiera bra lösningar.Boken riktar sig mot kurser inom hållbar logistik vid högskolor, universitet eller annan eftergymnasial utbildning. Den kan även användas som ett komplement i logistikutbildningar för att ge hållbarhetsaspekten ett ökat fokus.

Hållbara logistiksystem beskriver hur hållbar logistik skapas och utvecklas. Boken är utformad med kurser vid högskolor, universitet eller annan eftergymnasial utbildning i åtanke och kan antingen användas som kurslitteratur i det specifika ämnet eller som komplement i generella logistikkurser...[Bokinfo]

Awareness of the business environment in which a company operates is important for its success in purchasing. Consideration to the natural environment is increasingly important for long-term success of purchasing. A mail survey is used to investigate the character of different factors that can influence the environmental purchasing of transportation services. Factor analysis suggests that the factors can, to a large extent, be grouped according to actors involved. The largest factors regard the internal management, image, resources of the firm, customer demands, carriers and governmental means of control. Most factors work as drivers. Some differences have been identified when comparing the surrounding environment of the environmental purchasing of transportation services and the surrounding environment commonly described in the more general purchasing and environmental management literature. The uniqueness of this study can be found in the large number of contingency factors considered, the focus on purchase of transportation services, as well as in the Swedish context in which the study has been conducted.

Vägledning till dig som går på gymnasiet

Det ställs allt högre krav på vetenskaplighet i de uppsatser som skrivs på gymnasiet. Här får eleverna all hjälp de behöver för att kunna genomföra en enklare forskningsuppgift och skriva en vetenskaplig text eller uppsats om resultatet.

ELEVPAKET– DIGITALT LÄROMEDEL OCH TRYCKT BOK

Allt ingår. Det blir så mycket bättre om eleverna kan använda både dator och penna.

DIGITALT LÄROMEDEL

Den interaktiva elevboken är inläst med autentiskt tal och textföljning.

• Interaktiv version av boken, inläst med autentiskt tal och textföljning
• Det digitala läromedlet kan användas på dator, surfplatta och i mobil

I det digitala läromedlet kan eleverna söka i innehållet. De kan också göra egna anteckningar och markera viktiga stycken i texten. Anteckningarna sparas automatiskt och kan enkelt samlas ihop och skrivas ut.

Det digitala läromedlet aktiveras med koden som finns i elevboken. Här kan du läsa mer om hur du aktiverar ditt digitala läromedel: https://www.studentlitteratur.se/#aktiveraprodukt

ELEVBOK

Konsten att arbeta och skriva vetenskapligt är indelad i fyra övergripande delar. Del 1 och 2 handlar om den studie som ligger bakom en uppsats, medan del 3 behandlar själva uppsatsskrivandet. Del 4 behandlar både uppsatsen och studien och hur eleverna kan arbeta för att höja kvalitén i sitt arbete med hjälp av de bedömningskriterier som vanligtvis tillämpas på en studie.

 Purpose – This paper aims to describe how research literature and logistics practitioners respectively describe the link between logistics and corporate social responsibility, focusing on the link between strategic logistics change (location, capacity and number of facilities as well as the design of supplier and customer network) and labor rights.

Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on the topics corporate social responsibility, green logistics and sustainable supply chain management was performed. A mail survey (103 respondents) was conducted in order to explore how strategic logistics changes have influenced corporate social responsibility. Step-wise regression analyses were used to identify relationships between strategic logistics decision making and the influence on labor rights.

Findings – There is a general unanimity in literature that logistics is an important area with regards to corporate social responsibility. Eight significant relations were identified linking strategic logistics changes to changes in the consideration of labor rights.

Practical implications – The study provides an understanding of how corporate social responsibility, focusing on labor rights, is influenced by strategic logistics changes. This can increase the understanding and the need for taking labor rights aspects into consideration in strategic logistics decision making as well as identification of what aspects of labor rights that are most important to consider in different types of logistics changes.

Originality/value – This study shows the importance of considering social responsible aspects regarding labor rights in strategic logistics decision making. Furthermore, as the empirical data are based on a Swedish sample it is an important complement to current, often American, studies within the field.

Denna rapport utgör i sig själv en sammanfattning av forskningsprojektet ”Vägledning till hållbara försörjningskedjor” som genomfördes mellan åren 2006 och 2009. Fokus i rapporten kommer att ligga på projektets olika resultat.

Projektet har som övergripande syfte att studera CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inom logistikområdet. CSR definieras i detta project som “a concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment” (Commission of European Communities, CEC2001:2).

Projektet har resulterat i journalartiklar, konferenspapper och examensarbeten. Flertalet olika aspekter av hållbar logistik har behandlats i olika delstudier och i artiklar och rapporter skildras allt från ex. kartläggningar av nuläget, statistiskt signifikanta samband mellan olika hållbarhetsdimensioner och logistik, till normativa verktyg för ett hållbart logistikarbete. Denna rapport belyser översiktligt olika del- och slutresultat från detta projekt.

The logistical activity of transport is one of the largest contributors to several environmental problems. One efficient and effective way to decrease the environmental impact from transports is to implement changes in the logistically related strategies and activities applied, such as the selection of transport suppliers. Consideration of the environmental aspect when purchasing transport services is still quite an unexplored area, and the need for guidance is large and desired by many firms. The objective of this study is to provide guidance about how shippers can increase their environmental concern when purchasing transport services. Theory regarding purchasing of environmentally preferable transport services is very limited. As a result, an elaborated frame of reference has been built on the basis of related areas, such as transport, purchasing and environmental practices. A survey study of 50 shippers operating within either the food or forestry sectors in Sweden showed that most respondents take the environmental aspects into consideration to a greater extent than required by law when purchasing transport services. Furthermore, most respondents had increased their environmental consideration when purchasing transport services during the last five years. There exist many practices that can be applied when purchasing environmentally preferable transport services. One common denominator of these practices is that they can be seen as parts of an environmentally preferable purchasing process developed in the present study. An analysis based on the survey study findings and the theoretical frame of reference shows that all survey study respondents can increase the environmental ambition of the practices applied. A further analysis of these potentials to improve the environmental ambition resulted in eight guiding principles. A tool was also developed which can provide guidance as to how shippers in a structural, efficient and effective way can address the first four of these principles. The eight guiding principles that my study suggests are important for shippers to look into are: -To see the environmentally preferable purchasing process for transport services as a whole. -To strive to apply a more uniform level of environmental ambition in the practices. ?To know the strengths and weaknesses of the environmentally preferable purchasing practices applied. ? To strive to apply similar practices within the company. -To initiate change, if needed and possible, in the internal conditions. -To continuously improve the practices applied. -To be as clear as possible in all communication. -To increase the information exchange with internal and external actors.

Abstract Although urban consolidation centres (UCC) worldwide have improved urban freight distribution and reduced externalities, other UCC initiatives have not materialised due to problems such as for example, business model limitations. All the same, researchers have rarely described business model components relevant to city logistics. In response, the purpose of this article is to analyse critical factors for viable business models of city logistics initiatives involving UCCs. Following an extensive literature review and multiple-case study of five initiatives with UCCs, we identified seven critical factors of viable city logistics business models: the ability to scale up and down the UCC solution; an ability to continuously develop and adapt to a dynamic environment; the important entrepreneurial role of the initiator as well; the acknowledgment of society; ability to innovate new services; logistics and supply chain management competence; and the ability to take full advantage of advanced IT. All seven factors describe continuously redeveloped business models seeking to seize new and unexpected opportunities, yet also indicate that city logistics systems require local authorities and municipalities to act as initiators, enablers, and customers. The models also underscore differences between purely commercial and purely municipal city logistics initiatives.

Denna pilotstudie är en del av det Vinnovafinansierade forskningsprojektet ”Konkurrenskraftiga affärsmodeller för att mäta framtidens krav på hållbara logistiksystem” som utförs av logistikavdelningen vid Linköpings universitet. Fallföretaget, Returpack Svenska AB (RP), ansvarar för retursystemet av aluminiumburkar och PET-flaskor i Sverige. För att klara av förväntade volymökningar och att samtidigt minska miljöpåverkan har RP initierat ett förändringsarbete i logistiksystem för returhantering av aluminiumburkar och PET-flaskor.

Syfte: Föreliggande studie syftar till att studera den förändring som genomförs i RP’s logistiksystem utifrån ändringar i ansvarsfördelning, logistiksystemets uppbyggnad, fysiska och monetära flöden, miljöpåverkan och företagets affärsmodell.

Metod: Materialet har framtagits utifrån intervjuer och möten utförda under hösten 2008 och våren 2009 med Ekonomichef Hans Funke, Vd Pelle Hjalmarsson, Kvalitets och miljöchef Ingrid Bjurnell, Logistikchef Marie Skoog, Mats Abrahamsson LIME och förre VD:n Jan Rehnberg. Sammanlagt har 5 intervjuer och möten genomförts om vardera 1-2 timmar. Som underlag för intervjuerna användes en intervjumall, se bilaga 1.

Till grund för studien ligger även flera konsultrapporter (LIME-rapport nr 1och 2) som utreder miljö- och kostnadsvinster med olika tänkbara logistikupplägg för returtransporter. Även företagsintern data och material från hemsidan m.m. har använts som grund för denna studie.

Researchers and practitioners alike need support in the challenges to develop sustainable logistics, and one cannot afford to have a limited view of what constitutes sustainable logistics innovation (SLI). In order to inspire researchers and practitioners to expand their mindset when addressing sustainable logistics, the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for classifying sustainable logistics innovations, and by classifying some SLIs evaluating the applicability of the framework. The study is based on a literature review within logistics innovation, sustainable innovation, and sustainable logistics innovation, resulting in a framework. It contains three areas: softness, extent of change and scope, which in turn contain nine dimensions. Interviews in three retailers acting in Sweden were conducted. SLIs were illustrated and classified in the framework. By moving outside how research so far has studied SLIs, examples of SLIs in logistics activities other than transport were identified, in forms aside from technological solutions, and in industries outside of logistics service providers. It was found that it was possible to classify SLIs in all dimensions, with some difficulties in extent of change in output, which also shows the applicability of the framework. Using the framework, SLIs can be understood in a more concrete and applicable way, which can inspire practitioners to develop and expand their efforts towards sustainable logistics. Therefore the study has implications for research, practice and society. Several suggestions for future research are presented.

The sustainable logistics business case (SLBC) provides underlying argumentation to convince decision makers to approve initiatives within sustainable logistics. Little knowledge exists on how companies conduct SLBCs or the challenges that need to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to explore how companies conduct SLBCs, to increase the understanding of how perceived challenges can be addressed. Potential challenges were identified in literature on business cases models in general and sustainable logistics business cases. As third-party logistics providers (3PL) are big contributors to emissions and often are responsible for designing logistics setups, they were focused in the empirical study. How SLBC were conducted was investigated based on interviews with managers responsible for conducting SLBCs and the responses triangulated with information derived from actual business cases. Despite the careful selection of 3PLs well ahead within the area, few challenges were perceived by the studied companies. This does not imply that challenges do not exist but can rather be described as a consequence of their pragmatic and inward-looking perspective. Examples of how to address challenges are provided. The compiled list of SLBC challenges provides an overview that was missing in literature. 

Purpose - The development of more sustainable logistics calls for innovative thinking. In order to accelerate the development in the field, there is a need for increased understanding of the process behind successful implementation of sustainable logistics innovations (SLI). The purpose of this paper is to explore the SLI process, in order to identify critical factors, challenges as well as actors involved. Design/methodology/approach - A multiple-case study in six Swedish retailers and logistics service providers (LSPs), successful in SLI implementations, was conducted. Both within-case and cross-case analyses were applied. Findings - The SLI process consists of five phases. The positive relationship between formalisation and SLI success is supported. Critical activities and challenges not known from literature were found in each phase. Examples are the use of logistics and customer KPIs, quickness, developing simple concepts, using a sustainability business case template and selecting where to test SLIs. Some phases are involving many internal and external actors, while others involve few internal actors. Customers are not particularly involved, and retailers involve their LSP suppliers. Research limitations/implications - This study addresses the lack of empirical research in logistics innovation and has bridged the gap of innovation studies in other companies than in LSPs. Furthermore it has combined two developing areas, sustainable innovation and logistics innovation, into SLI. A number of critical activities and challenges, and complex patterns for actors involvement in the SLI process phases are explored as insights from particular cases; these results could be analytically generalised to theory. Practical implications - The practical implications lie in guiding managers who wish to improve sustainability and innovativeness in logistics and, consequently, business success. Knowledge from successful companies about which phases to go through in which sequence, which challenges that can be expected and who to include in the SLI process could imply that more companies focus on SLI. Social implications - Knowledge on how to include sustainability in a clear innovation process, e.g., by making strong business cases, should imply an accelerated development of sustainable logistics in society. Originality/value - This study addresses the lack of empirically-based research in logistics innovation and expands the concept to retailers.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inclusion of environmental performance in transport contracts, and to study whether differences in inclusion can be explained by managerial involvement.

Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a survey of shippers and logistics service providers in Sweden. Regression and cluster analysis were used to link managerial involvement to inclusion of environmental performance.

Findings – Companies that include environmental performance in transport contracts do not necessarily consider how to measure the environmental performance and how to handle non-compliance. The most common performance metrics to include are CO2 emissions and energy use. A higher degree of managerial involvement is related to larger inclusion of environmental performance. Findings also indicate that transportation managers play a very central role for inclusion of environmental performance in contracts.

Research limitations/implications – The paper offers a theoretical contribution to transport contract and performance management theory by expanding it to encompass environmental performance. The authors provide some descriptive and explanatory results in a Swedish context.

Practical implications – The managerial contribution is to show practices and provide an understanding of the use of contracts for environmental performance, which in analogy with previous research can lead to environmental performance improvements.

Originality/value – Few identified studies focus on regulating environmental performance in transport contracts.

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate how retail chains with a green image align sustainable logistics actions, logistics measurements and contracts with logistics service providers (LSPs), and to develop a classification model that allows for a description of the various shades of green within companies.

 Design/methodology/approach

We carried out a multiple case study of four retail chains with a green image operating in the Swedish market, collecting empirical data from the retail chains’ sustainability reports and home pages and conducting interviews with logistics, transportation and supply chain managers.

Findings

Based on the literature, we developed a classification model for judging green image, green logistics actions, green measurements and green contracts. The model is used to illustrate the different shades of green found within the respective retail chains. A green image seems well-aligned with green logistics actions. However, there are more levels to judge, and the measurement systems are not sufficiently developed to track green logistics actions. Contract handling is more developed among retail chains than measurements, which is positive, as this is a way of ensuring that LSPs are involved. In our classification model, greenwashing can be judged in a more nuanced way, delving deeper under the surface.

Research limitations/implications

The provided classification model adds to our knowledge and illustrates the alignment within companies’ sustainable logistics. The robustness of the model can be strengthened by applying it to a larger number of cases and by continually validating its content and evaluation criteria.

Practical implications

The study’s main practical contribution is the classification model, which may potentially serve as a method for managers to easily judge the green alignment of a retail chain’s logistics.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies capture how retail chains measure environmental logistics performance, and even fewer concern contracts stipulating the environmental demands placed on LSPs.

Purpose: Sustainability has become an important aspect for improving logistics, and the development ofmore sustainable logistics operations calls for innovative thinking. The purpose of this study isto explore how the sustainable logistics innovation (SLI) process is managed by some retailersand LSPs in order to suggest a framework for describing and analysing the SLI process.

Design/methodology/approach: Literature on general, logistics and sustainable innovation processes is studied. A multiple-casestudy in five Swedish retailers and LSPs is conducted. With a pattern-matching approach, theSLI processes in the companies are analysed and a framework is suggested.

Findings: A framework for the SLI process is suggested and its differences from general innovationprocesses are highlighted, such as the use of 3BL business cases. It shows the characteristics ofthe SLI process and which actors that are involved. The SLI process can vary largely and stillgenerate SLIs. However, managerial improvement potentials were found in several phases ofthe process.

Research limitations/implications: This study addresses the lack of empirically based research in logistics innovation and expandsit to retailers. It expands our knowledge into SLI, where the framework can be applied tostructure and understand SLI processes, and to identify improvement potentials.

Practical limitations/implications: Managerial implications are found in the limited customer involvement in idea generation andthe often “secret” way of evaluating ideas. As the companies can be seen as forerunners in SLI,managers can get inspiration by studying how the process is managed.

Originality/value: Very few studies are found in the area of sustainable logistics innovation.

För att möta trender såsom ökad internationell konkurrens måste framtida transportsystem inte bara vara ekonomiskt utan även socialt och miljömässigt hållbara. CSR-arbetet måste lyftas till en affärsmässighet där hållbara transportsatsningar blir en integrerad del av affärsutvecklingen och stödjer näringslivets långsiktiga och hållbara konkurrenskraft. För detta krävs nytänkande och innovationskraft. Kunskapen kring hur CSR-arbete kan göras företagsekonomiskt intressant är starkt begränsad. Det saknas kunskap kring hur företagsekonomiskt intressanta tjänster och processer kan utformas som stödjer en utveckling mot satta transportpolitiska mål och miljömål, och som stöds av mätning och uppföljning.

Fokus i detta projekt har legat på att identifiera, beskriva och analysera innovationer som kan medföra att transportrelaterat CSR-arbete ger effektivare verksamheter och/eller kundservice. Transportutövare och transportköpare (här handelsföretag) har fokuserats. Handelsföretag kan i sin roll som länk mellan kunder och producenter och med sin ofta starka förhandlingskraft påverka CSR-arbetet även utanför företagsgränserna. De stora potentialer som finns i gränssnitten mellan transportsystemets aktörer har därmed lyfts fram.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and illustrate ways in which the world’s largest retailers describe their logistics-related environmental considerations, their environmental indicators applied to measure the effects of these considerations and their environmental consciousness in their CSR reports.

Design/methodology/approach – Classification models are developed via a literature review on logistics-related environmental considerations, indicators and consciousness. A content analysis approach is then applied to examine CSR reports from 12 of the world’s largest retailers.

Findings – Few retailers show environmental considerations in all logistics activities, but purchasing is especially well described. Even if many retailers claim to use the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, no one uses is completely. Judging consciousness from CSR reports raised a number of questions.

Research limitations/implications – A contribution to theory is the development of two classification models. The first provides a description structure for environmental considerations related to logistics activities. The second expands the GRI indicator framework by incorporating a structure for logistics activities.

Practical implications – The classification models developed can be an important mean for managers and also consumers to judge the environmental sustainability of retailers by their CSR reports.

Social implications – The study makes a social contribution with its input on sustainability and especially environmental issues.

Originality/value – Few studies have focused upon environmentally sustainable logistics in retail chains, and even fewer address how to measure environmental sustainability in this context.

Purpose Contradictory sustainability priorities and interests among supply chain actors can be challenging in the transition towards greener transportation. Several of these contradictions can be described as paradoxes, e.g., interests that are logical in themselves, but becomes irrational when perceived together. This study aims at increasing the understanding of paradoxes in transport buyers’ and suppliers’ strive towards greener transportation. Design/methodology/approach An interview study targeting transport buyer-supplier dyads has been applied, followed by an analysis with a point of departure in the paradox theory. Findings Tensions related to performing, belonging, learning, and organizing paradoxes in the greening of transportation have been identified. The tensions arise both within individual companies and within dyads. An explanatory framework with four loci of tensions and related propositions are suggested. Research limitations/implications By identifying examples through the lens of paradoxes in the particular setting, the study provides increased understanding to why the transition towards green transportation goes slow, despite involved actors’ high ambitions. Practical implications Understanding paradoxes is a necessary first step, before identifying ways to manage contradictions in the greening of transportation. Social implications The study provides deep insights on the challenges regarding the greening of transportation, which is fundamental for a long-term sustainable society during global crises. Original/value This study is original as it applies paradox theory within the field of green transportation, and in particular as a lens in studying the interactions between different actors.

PurposeContradictory sustainability priorities and perspectives among supply chain actors in greening transportation can be challenging. Several of these contradictions can be described as paradoxes (i.e. interests that are logical in themselves, but become irrational when perceived together). The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of paradoxical tensions hampering the greening of transportation in transport buyer-supplier dyads.Design/methodology/approachA case study method targeting greening transportation in two transport buyer-supplier dyads was applied, followed by an analysis with a point-of-departure in paradox theory.FindingsTensions related to performing, belonging, learning and organizing paradoxes in greening transportation were identified. These tensions arise as a consequence of actions, perspectives and other tensions, within three identified loci in individual companies and in dyads.Research limitations/implicationsBy identifying examples of tensions through the lens of paradoxes in a particular setting, this study provides an increased understanding of why the transition toward green transportation goes slow, despite the high ambitions of involved actors. The suggested framework provides a novel contribution to the literature that further increases the understanding of tensions, by providing additional insights into where tensions arise and how actions, perspectives and tensions in one place of a locus spectrum can disseminate along that spectrum.Originality/valueThis study is original because it applies paradox theory and the four categories of performing, belonging, learning and organizing within the field of greening transportation, and in particular as a lens to study interactions between different actors.

The implementation of urban consolidation centres (UCCs) can improve urban freight distribution and reduce negative environmental and social externalities in urban transport. Several forms of UCC initiatives have been implemented worldwide. However, initiatives often fail to reach their full potential and long-term viability. Important aspects for successful implementation and long-term viability are strong business models that include suitable forms of interaction between involved stakeholders of urban freight solutions. The overall aim of this chapter is to increase the understanding of UCCs as an urban freight initiative, and to provide state-of-the-art examples from practice on how some of the most central challenges are managed. This chapter elaborates on the benefits and challenges of UCCs. The characteristics of different forms of UCCs are described and illustrated with present initiatives in different cities. These cases further illustrate different critical elements in the business models applied and successful forms of stakeholder interactions.

I takt med urbaniseringstrenden har fokus alltmer hamn-at på de logistiska utmaningarna i staden. För trendernapekar på fler transporter och snabbare transporter, vilketnästan oundvikligen medför att lastbilar som kör i stadeninte utnyttjar sin fulla lastningskapacitet. Därför är detviktigt att ta fasta på hur man med smartare logistikupp-lägg kan minska exempelvis trängsel och miljöpåverkan,samtidigt som mottagarna av gods erhåller en hög gradav leveransservice.

Freight transportation in urban areas is an important area in the development of more sustainable cities. Several Swedish municipalities have recognised the inefficiency in the flow of goods to their premises, resulting in negative environmental, economical and social impact. Some Swedish municipalities have started to consolidate their distribution, separate the purchase of goods from the purchase of transport services, as well as started to place demands on the transportation service purchased. However, different establishments are applied by different municipalities, and there is a lack of overview and knowledge exchange between different initiatives.

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse activities in the Swedish municipalities’ development process of consolidated urban distribution in order to identify important knowledge dissemination and collaborative actions. Empirical data is gathered from interviews, internet information and brochures regarding initiatives taken by three Swedish municipalities.

The investigation of the initiatives shows several similarities but also many differences. The results also provide examples of how knowledge can be integrated in the organisation. There is a need for an expanded collaboration between actors to make the freight transports in the cities more efficient. Increased knowledge transfer can help municipalities overcome several of these weaknesses. This area of research is still in its infancy and new areas for further research are identified in this paper.