VIEWPOINT
Changes in the container shipping industry during the past two decades have prompted UNCTAD and MDSTransmodal to undertake a second revision of methodology to calculate the LSCI and PLSCI datasets. This revision will be applied on 15 March 2024 to the data release for the first quarter of 2024 (Q1/2024) and both data series since 2006.
MDS Transmodal (MDST) carried out a commercial vehicle traffic survey in November 2023 as part of a programme of work to develop a freight strategy for Chester city centre. It follows from the survey of businesses which investigated the perception of businesses regarding the delivery and collection of freight in the city centre, much of which has been pedestrianised with a time window for access by vehicles in the morning and evening. This commercial vehicle traffic survey of the morning peak for deliveries between 07.00 and 11.00 in the heritage city centre showed that 76% of vehicles were light goods vehicles, 18% were (generally small) HGVs, 6% were waste collection vehicles and 1% were bicycles being used for food deliveries. Just under 3% of all movements were by zero emission vehicles (including bicycles).
While there is an urgent need to provide additional parking facilities for both HGV and LGV drivers, new sites should be appropriately located so that they can best serve the operational requirements of the sector, but also conform with planning policy and minimise their environmental impacts. This has now been confirmed by a recent planning decision relating to a proposed lorry park in the Cotswolds.
SERVICES
The Company - MDS Transmodal
MDS Transmodal is a transport economics consultancy. Founded in 1983, we have a simple mission: to provide impartial and independent advice on a range of transport issues. We strive to de-mystify the transport sector, with objective analysis brought to real-world issues. Our work is informed by the development and maintenance of detailed data sets, coupled with econometric modelling and statistical analysis. We are both curious and innovative, constantly looking at new ways to use data and modelling to address current and emerging transport issues.
Our team of experienced consultants deliver bespoke projects to address the unique problems and opportunities of our clients. MDS Transmodal’s main interests are concentrated in the freight market, covering logistics, rail freight, ports, deep sea and short sea shipping, inland waterways and air freight. While we are an SME, our clients are some of the world’s key decision makers and commercial players. In the public sector, this includes central Government, the sub-national transport bodies and publicly owned infrastructure providers. Private sector clients are drawn from the ports sector, transport operators, shippers, financial institutions, property developers and infrastructure providers. Our work therefore bridges the gap between the commercial world and policy makers. Recent global events have also demonstrated the importance of freight transport and supply chains.
While we are based in Chester in the UK, our project work is worldwide. Freight transport and supply chains issues have risen up the policy agenda. As a result, many of our projects are high profile, and are increasingly focused on decarbonisation and sustainable transport.
Our team of experienced consultants deliver bespoke projects to address the unique problems and opportunities of our clients. MDS Transmodal’s main interests are concentrated in the freight market, covering logistics, rail freight, ports, deep sea and short sea shipping, inland waterways and air freight. While we are an SME, our clients are some of the world’s key decision makers and commercial players. In the public sector, this includes central Government, the sub-national transport bodies and publicly owned infrastructure providers. Private sector clients are drawn from the ports sector, transport operators, shippers, financial institutions, property developers and infrastructure providers. Our work therefore bridges the gap between the commercial world and policy makers. Recent global events have also demonstrated the importance of freight transport and supply chains.
While we are based in Chester in the UK, our project work is worldwide. Freight transport and supply chains issues have risen up the policy agenda. As a result, many of our projects are high profile, and are increasingly focused on decarbonisation and sustainable transport.