Outputs (37)

The retailer perspective on the potential for using urban consolidation centres (UCCs) (2024)
Journal Article
Akgün, E. Z., Monios, J., Cowie, J., & Fonzone, A. (2024). The retailer perspective on the potential for using urban consolidation centres (UCCs). Research in Transportation Economics, 103, Article 101413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2024.101413

This paper examines the role of supportive policies and value-added services which may incentivise retailers to use an urban consolidation centre (UCC). The methodology is a case study of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, based on semi-structured inte... Read More about The retailer perspective on the potential for using urban consolidation centres (UCCs).

Cycle Logistics: Sustaining the Last Mile (2023)
Book Chapter
Cowie, J., & Fisken, K. (2023). Cycle Logistics: Sustaining the Last Mile. In J. Monios, L. Budd, & S. Ison (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Urban Logistics (59-71). London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003241478-7

This chapter defines cycle logistics in terms of a formal specification, the characteristics of the main types of vehicles used and operating ranges. It then considers the main reasons for employing cargo bikes in the urban freight market, and discus... Read More about Cycle Logistics: Sustaining the Last Mile.

Urban freight policy maturity and sustainable logistics: are they related? (2023)
Journal Article
Cowie, J., & Fisken, K. (2023). Urban freight policy maturity and sustainable logistics: are they related?. Journal of Shipping and Trade, 8, Article 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-023-00133-0

Problems associated with urban freight are well known and documented in the academic literature, particularly with regards to the impact on air quality and general intrusion of public space. As a defining principle however, urban freight has general... Read More about Urban freight policy maturity and sustainable logistics: are they related?.

Long run productivity and profitability in the British bus industry (2022)
Journal Article
Cowie, J. (2023). Long run productivity and profitability in the British bus industry. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 46, Article 100911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2022.100911

The passing of the Transport Act 1985 deregulated and privatised the bus industry in Great Britain outside of London, however failed to address the prime specified aim of reversing the long run decline in patronage. Review of the literature suggests... Read More about Long run productivity and profitability in the British bus industry.

Bus Franchising in English and Scottish regions – viable solution or unfeasible instrument? (2022)
Journal Article
Villa i Aguilar, X., Rye, T., McTigue, C., & Cowie, J. (2022). Bus Franchising in English and Scottish regions – viable solution or unfeasible instrument?. Transport Policy, 120, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.02.011

Much research surrounds the move from publicly owned and operated bus markets to publicly controlled and privately operated markets, or in the case of Great Britain, a fully deregulated market. Little research however exists concerning the counter mo... Read More about Bus Franchising in English and Scottish regions – viable solution or unfeasible instrument?.

Solar-Powered Active Road Studs and Highway Infrastructure: Effect on Vehicle Speeds (2021)
Journal Article
Llewellyn, R., Cowie, J., & Fountas, G. (2021). Solar-Powered Active Road Studs and Highway Infrastructure: Effect on Vehicle Speeds. Energies, 14(21), 7209. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217209

Vehicle speeds have a direct relationship with the severity of road crashes and may influence their probability of occurrence. Solar-powered active road studs have been shown to have a positive effect on driver confidence, but their impact on vehicle... Read More about Solar-Powered Active Road Studs and Highway Infrastructure: Effect on Vehicle Speeds.

Active Road Studs as an Alternative to Lighting on Rural Roads: Driver Safety Perception (2020)
Journal Article
Llewellyn, R., Cowie, J., & Maher, M. (2020). Active Road Studs as an Alternative to Lighting on Rural Roads: Driver Safety Perception. Sustainability, 12(22), Article 9648. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229648

Drivers, particularly with increasing age, cite driving at night as being problematic and feeling unsafe. Ultimately this may result in self-regulation and avoidance, with potentially negative health effects. The issue is commonly mitigated through p... Read More about Active Road Studs as an Alternative to Lighting on Rural Roads: Driver Safety Perception.

A Theoretical and Evidence Based Assessment of the Economics of Last Mile Delivery Consolidation (2019)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
Cowie, J., & Fisken, K. (2019, December). A Theoretical and Evidence Based Assessment of the Economics of Last Mile Delivery Consolidation. Paper presented at 6th International Workshop on Sustainable Road Freight, University of Cambridge

Much research literature suggests that one mechanism through which the sustainability of road freight could be enhanced within the urban context, is through consolidation of consignments over ‘the last mile’. An often cited added benefit is that thi... Read More about A Theoretical and Evidence Based Assessment of the Economics of Last Mile Delivery Consolidation.

Are Friends Electric? Rethinking City Logistics (2019)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
Cowie, J. (2019, October). Are Friends Electric? Rethinking City Logistics. Presented at TRI’s 5th Annual Electric Vehicle Event, Edinburgh Napier University

One commonly proposed solution to urban freight transport issues is the idea of consolidation over the last mile (through urban consolidation centres, UCC). Despite this strong focus, such initiatives have a horrendous commercial record, with very f... Read More about Are Friends Electric? Rethinking City Logistics.

Minimum efficient scale in container port operations over the very long run – is it increasing and does that matter? (2019)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
Cowie, J., & Monios, J. (2019, June). Minimum efficient scale in container port operations over the very long run – is it increasing and does that matter?. Paper presented at 27th Annual Conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists

This paper calculates the Minimum Efficient Scale (MES) of container port operations, which, despite significant economic analyses of port efficiency and productivity, has been addressed only rarely thus far. The research also explores the extent to... Read More about Minimum efficient scale in container port operations over the very long run – is it increasing and does that matter?.