Contribution to the assessment of the sustainability of urban freight transport in Morocco: A PLS-SEM Approach

Abstract

With globalization and the expansion of cities, the movement of goods and people has significantly increased, both economically and socially. This sector serves as a vital component of any economy, fostering economic and social development. However, its detrimental effects pose significant challenges for countries seeking to pursue sustainable development policies. Being one of the most energy-intensive sectors, it emits greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to environmental degradation and noise pollution. While increased traffic and mobility offer benefits, they also strain resources and lead to higher energy consumption. The primary objective of this article is to assess the sustainability of freight transport in the Moroccan city of Fez and propose supportive solutions for various stakeholders in urban logistics. This involves examining the complex relationship between different factors and the sustainability of Urban Freight Transport (UFT), including accessibility, congestion, road occupancy, environmental impacts, health impacts, and road safety. The research data were collected from 100 managers and employees of logistics and transportation companies in Morocco. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test and confirm the hypotheses and the research model. The results of these analyses demonstrated a positive impact relationship between the various factors and the sustainability variable. Subsequently, we suggest the establishment of delivery areas and an urban distribution center as two sustainable logistics solutions. The analysis and its findings can be applied to any other city.