A Diagnosis Methodology for Urban Goods Distribution: A Case Study in Belo Horizonte City (Brazil)

Abstract Currently, one of the main problems related to freight delivery is the lack of adequate infrastructure for operations in urban areas. In this sense, this paper presents a diagnosis methodology to identify issues relating to urban goods distribution To undertake the diagnosis, we used interviews with logistics operators, research of of loading and unloading places and traffic counts in the study area. The methodology was applied to the central area of Belo Horizonte (MG), and among the results highlight that the loading and unloading places regulated by public authorities on urban roads are occupied mostly by private vehicles. The results indicate the main issues relating to urban freight distribution in Belo Horizonte and the need for effective public policies to improve the activity and the reduction of negative externalities on the urban environment.