B2C E-Commerce: Impact on Transport in Urban Areas (Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education of Research)

The research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education of Research examines the impact of B2C E-Commerce on transport in urban areas for the base year 2003. The impact analysis is based on empirical data which was derived from consumer survey. In addition, information about delivery traffic was acquired by B2C merchants and logistics providers. The results of this research project show that B2C E-Commerce leads to a reduction of private shopping traffic and an increase in delivery traffic. The future affects of B2C E-Commerce on transport depends primarily on the development of internet shopping and the adoption of delivery concepts. An understanding of the issues entailed in pick-up and delivery traffic can enable municipal traffic policies to counter the negative effects of B2C E-Commerce on traffic.