This article provides an in depth analysis of the intersection between urban logistics and the smart city concept, in a context marked by rapid urbanization, the growth of e-commerce, and the pressing need to reduce the environmental impact of freight flows. It highlights the integration of emerging technologies—the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain—as key drivers for improving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in urban logistics systems. The study begins by clarifying the concepts of urban logistics (management of physical and reverse flows within urban areas) and smart cities (interconnected integration of physical infrastructures, digital technologies, and human actors). The key challenges are grouped into four categories: Economic (cost control, resource pooling, new models such as crowdshipping), Environmental (reduction of GHG emissions, electromobility), Social (acceptance of innovation, improved quality of life, equitable logistics accessibility), and Technological (interoperability, cybersecurity, system resilience). A set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is proposed: Operational (unit logistics cost, load factor, on time delivery rate), Environmental (CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, noise pollution), and Social (user satisfaction, accessibility, job creation). The article proposes an Integrated Smart Urban Logistics System (ISULS) built on five interconnected pillars: Central digital platform, Network of urban hubs, Clean and diversified fleets, Secure traceability and Collaborative governance.
A Wed, study studied this question.