Survey forms used in urban freight studies

Report produced as part of the Green Logistics project (EPSRC and Department for Transport funded). This report contains examples of survey forms used in urban freight studies both in the UK and overseas. The studies from which these examples have been drawn range in data from 1970-2008. The purpose of the report is to provide insight into the types of questions used in different survey techniques and also into the design of survey forms. It is hoped that bringing together in a single document these examples of urban freight survey forms will be of use to researchers involved in such studies in future in planning and designing their survey work. Examples of several different types of survey techniques are provided including: Establishment surveys -- Commodity flow surveys -- Freight operator surveys -- Roadside interview surveys -- Driver surveys -- Vehicle observation surveys -- Parking surveys -- Vehicle trip diaries -- Service provider surveys

Survey techniques in urban freight transport studies

This article reviews and assesses the various survey techniques that have been used in studies in which data have been collected to obtain an understanding of road-based urban freight transport activities. The review identified 162 such studies in 18 countries over the last 50 years, and 12 different types of urban survey technique. In the studies reviewed, establishment surveys have been the most commonly used technique, followed by freight operator surveys, vehicle observation surveys, driver surveys, roadside interview surveys, and vehicle trip diaries. Few examples of other survey techniques (commodity flow, parking, global positioning system, supplier and service provider surveys) were identified. Establishment and vehicle observation surveys have the potential to offer insight into a wider range of issues associated with urban freight deliveries and collections to and from establishments in a specific urban area than the other survey techniques reviewed. These two survey techniques can provide insight into the frequency of goods vehicles deliveries and collections by time of day and day of week, the activities involved in the loading/unloading process, and the freight requirements of individual establishments. However, all 12 survey techniques provide insight into varying aspects of urban freight operations and various combinations are therefore likely to be used in future studies.