Purpose

Lately, mass logistics centres (MLCs) have emerged to increase transport efficiency in soil and rock (mass) material transports. However, the impact of these MLCs has received limited attention. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of MLCs to increase transport efficiency in terms of number of transports, distance travelled, transport work, and emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is fulfilled through a scenario analysis of an MLC and its effect on distance travelled, transport work, fuel consumption, and emissions as well as the traditional measure of number of transports. 

Findings

The study finds that the traditional transport efficiency measure “number of transports” is insufficient in describing transport efficiency in MLCs and similar logistics setups. A logistics centre will lead to more transports but with the correct setup, transport work, distance travelled, fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to one MLC in Sweden. Future research should investigate other MLCs and go deeper into how MLCs should be designed to increase transport efficiency.

Practical implications

Contractors and municipalities can find support on how to evaluate the transport efficiency effects an MLC has.

Social implications

This study is an important step in analysing the potential of MLCs as a tool for reducing the negative impact of mass transports. 

Originality

This is one of the first in-depth studies of how MLCs affect mass transport flows from a transport efficiency perspective.