ToGRIP: Grip on Goods Travel: logistics and traffic management together
Traffic and the logistics sector are under pressure due to increasing congestion and the growth of goods flows. To address these challenges, the project ToGRIP – a part of Commit2Data – was launched. The aim of ToGRIP is to achieve better integration between logistics and traffic management, with collaboration among stakeholders from the transport sector, ports, and government agencies. In the summer of 2024, we spoke with Maaike Snelder, a researcher at TU Delft and TNO, about the results and findings of this completed project.
An integrated approach
Maaike explains how the idea for ToGRIP came about: "If you look outside now, you can see that traffic jams and congestion are only increasing. Both the population and goods flows continue to grow. The question is: how do you manage that?" A key feature of the project is the integrated approach to logistics and traffic management. These are traditionally two separate domains, but within ToGRIP, they have been successfully united. "If you align these two better, you can improve both logistics and traffic flow, benefiting both systems," says Maaike.
Collaboration with various parties
The project is not just an academic exercise. ToGRIP collaborates with various partners such as TLN, Rijkswaterstaat, the Port of Rotterdam, Portbase, Deltalinqs, and Smartport. These parties provide use cases, giving direction to the project and making it relevant to practice. For example, Rijkswaterstaat focused on lane advice for trucks and cars, while the Port of Rotterdam was interested in solutions related to terminal management and departure times. One example of such a use case is the concept of time-shifted operations, where truck departure times are adjusted to avoid peak hours. Research within ToGRIP showed that such measures could reduce traffic jams by about 10%. "That might not sound like much," says Maaike, "but most measures have a much smaller effect. The problem lies in implementation, as while drivers prefer not to be stuck in traffic, it is complex to centrally manage this."
Three strategic pillars
ToGRIP identified three key strategies that contribute to more efficient goods flows and less congestion:
- Time-shifted transportation: By adjusting truck departure times, waiting times and traffic congestion can be reduced. This measure has the potential to reduce travel time and congestion by 10%, offering significant benefits to the transport sector.
- Decoupling hubs: This concept involves trucks transporting goods to a hub in the evening or at night, from where the goods are transported further the next day. This avoids waiting times at terminals and reduces road congestion. Maaike adds: "Decoupling trips not only benefits traffic but also ensures more reliable deliveries to recipients."
- Lane change advice: This advisory system helps truck drivers and motorists change lanes more efficiently near busy traffic junctions. This can lead to improved traffic flow and fewer jams, especially at merging points.
Model for insights into logistics and traffic flows
To determine the effect of practical strategies, ToGRIP developed an integrated model that combines both passenger and goods transportation. This model is largely data-driven and provides deep insights into logistics and traffic flows. "We have developed models that map the entire process, from generating freight trips to route choice and lane change advice," Maaike explains. For instance, the model can predict how trucks move through various network configurations and what effects policy measures have on traffic flow. Thanks to these insights, policymakers and logistics companies can make better-informed decisions on how to optimize traffic and logistics. Although the model has already produced valuable results, it has not yet been fully applied in practice. "All components are available and open source, but it still requires expertise to bring everything together," Maaike notes.
The challenge of implementation
Although the project results are promising, the challenge lies in implementation. "It's great to have strategies that can work, but the question is: who takes the lead?" Maaike wonders. This question is not only relevant to ToGRIP but applies to many innovative projects involving multiple stakeholders. Implementing these measures requires cooperation between logistics companies, government agencies, and traffic managers. She also emphasizes that innovation takes time. "Research often provides a nudge in the right direction, but full development takes time and collaboration. The pieces of the puzzle need to be slowly put together. The expectation is that the urgency to address these problems will grow, leading to concrete actions over time."
Looking to the future
The ToGRIP project has provided valuable insights into how logistics and traffic management can be integrated to reduce congestion and waiting times. With strategic measures such as time shifting, the use of decoupling hubs, and lane change advice, ToGRIP offers a concrete route to more efficient goods travel. However, implementation requires close collaboration between various parties, and success depends on who takes the lead.
Despite the challenges, Maaike remains optimistic about the project's future. The integrated model developed in the project provides a strong foundation for further research and application. "We have developed a model that integrates both passenger and freight transport and is largely data-driven. With this, we have laid a strong foundation; now it's time for the next step,” Maaike concludes.
