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MAGPIE Spreading Road Traffic demo

Off-peak freight scheduling reduces port congestion, emissions, and delays through coordinated logistics and operational changes. This is demo 10 within the MAGPIE project.

Transport efficiency

Introduction

Spreading road traffic refers to the strategic redistribution of freight transport activities across different times of day to reduce peak-hour congestion in and around ports. This approach aims to improve road capacity utilization, reduce emissions during peak periods, and enhance the overall efficiency of port logistics. The demonstration focuses on encouraging off-peak driving and aligning depot and distribution centre operations to support this shift. While the concept does not require new technology, it involves significant organizational and behavioural changes among stakeholders. This factsheet outlines the value proposition, applicability, technical solution, and implementation roadmap for spreading road traffic in port logistics.

Value proposition

  • 20% reduction of traffic by 2030.

  • Reduces congestion in and around ports, increases road use capacity, and enables more flexible logistics.

  • The approach can be implemented without technological changes, relying instead on organizational coordination.

  • By making use of underutilised road capacity during night-time hours, companies can achieve faster turnaround times, lower fuel consumption, and more reliable service delivery.

  • Spreading road traffic will improve air quality and road safety by alleviating traffic pressure during the busiest times of the day.

Port applicability

• Large Container Ports/Hub Ports: Highly applicable due to high congestion levels and complex logistics networks. • Industrial Ports: Applicable if road-based freight plays a significant role. • Smaller/Regional Ports: Potentially applicable, especially when supporting traffic overflow from larger ports. • Other: Relevant for any port with road congestion and the ability to coordinate logistics across time windows.

Detailed description of the solution

  • Operational Model

    Encourages logistics operators to schedule truck movements during off-peak hours to reduce congestion and emissions.

  • Stakeholder Coordination

    Requires cooperation between cargo owners, transport companies, depots, and distribution centres to align operating hours and delivery schedules.

  • Data and Monitoring

    Involves tracking trip timing and performance to assess impact, though data logging has proven difficult.

  • Infrastructure Alignment

    Success depends on depot and terminal opening hours aligning with off-peak driving.

  • Behavioural Change

    Requires a mental shift among drivers and planners to accept night or early morning operations.

  • Safety Considerations

    Addresses concerns about driving at night and potential regulatory restrictions in some areas.

  • Implementation

    No new technology is required; the solution is organizational and can be implemented directly.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Energy EfficiencyMedium impact
Potential improvement through reduced idling and smoother traffic flow.
GHG emissionsMedium impact
Reduction of CO2 emissions during peak hours: ~% annual CO₂ reduction, but significant hourly benefits.
Pollutant emissionsMedium impact
Lower emissions during congested periods; possible increase in noise at night.
SafetyMedium impact
Night driving introduces safety and security concerns.
Port cityMedium impact
Reduces daytime congestion but may increase nighttime noise and electricity demand.
Nature and community impactMedium impact
Mixed, depending on local context and implementation.
Increased flexibility and potential for higher throughput at depots and terminals.Medium impact
10-minute reduction in transit time per trip.

Port characteristics

• Need: Around-the-clock operations at depots and terminals. • Affects: Infrastructure scheduling, labour availability, and stakeholder coordination.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Non-technologicalEnabler

    o Toolkit for duplication. o Potential support from smaller ports handling overflow traffic. o Shift bonuses and rotating schedules to attract night-time staff. o Cost-benefit analysis to justify night operations. o Collaboration to extend operating hours or buffer deliveries. o Use of anonymised pilot data and trusted associations to build confidence.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    No new technology required; relies on organizational change.

Barriers

  • Non-technologicalBarrier

    o Misaligned stakeholder interests. o Lack of motivation. o Human capital constraints. o Standards & regulation issues. o Operational imbalances. o Limited night-time staff availability. Tip: Offer shift bonuses, rotate schedules, and emphasise the benefits of quieter, faster operations. o Higher personnel costs for night shifts. Tip: Compare costs with savings from reduced delays and explore subsidies or shared logistics models. o Restricted opening hours of depots/warehouses. Tip: Collaborate with partners to extend hours or use hubs that can buffer night deliveries for daytime handling. o Scepticism about data sharing and benefits. Tip: Start with small pilots, share anonymised results, and involve trusted industry associations to build confidence.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Difficulty logging data and limited impact when trips still intersect with peak hours.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Identify key stakeholders and engage them early, including transport companies, terminal operators, and clients.

  2. Step 2

    Define clear KPIs (e.g., turnaround time, emissions, cost savings) and establish baseline measurements.

  3. Step 3

    Collect and analyse data using board computer systems or manual logs to understand current traffic patterns.

  4. Step 4

    Pilot off-peak operations with selected partners and monitor results.

  5. Step 5

    Use dashboards (e.g., PowerBI) to visualise insights and share them with stakeholders.

  6. Step 6

    Iterate based on feedback and scale up successful practices.

  7. Step 7

    Gradual scale-up; feasible for implementation by 2030.

  8. Step 8

    Development of a Port Emissions Platform for real-time tracking.

  9. Step 9

    Integration with low-/zero-emission vehicles.

Implementation interdependencies

Requires alignment between transport companies, depots, terminals, and port authorities. Practical tips: o Start small: Begin with one or two pilot partners to test feasibility. o Use data: Leverage board computer or floating car data for accurate and low-effort monitoring. o Communicate benefits: Highlight reduced waiting times, cost savings, and environmental impacts. o Address concerns: Identify methods of incentivizing partners to collaborate. o Collaborate: Work with industry associations to build trust and scale adoption.

Stakeholder overview

  • Port authority

    Coordinates infrastructure and policy support.

  • Terminal operators

    Adjust operating hours and manage off-peak logistics.

  • Technology providers

    May support data tracking and logistics planning.

  • National and international regulators

    May influence driving time regulations.

  • Research and development institutions

    May support impact assessment and modelling.

  • Local government and community groups

    Involved in managing nighttime impacts and public acceptance.

  • Workforce representatives/unions

    Involved in negotiating off-peak work conditions.

Knowledge base and references