The hub-and-spoke structure (Figure 1) has characterized the reorganization of
transportation networks for the past 20 years, notably for air and rail and maritime freight
transportation. It has reduced costs and improved efficiently through the consolidation of
freight and passengers at hubs. Despite the cost savings in many cases, the flows, modes and
terminals that are used by pursuing logistical integration are the least sustainable and
environmentally friendly. The hub-and-spoke structure concentrates traffic at a relatively
small number of terminals. This concentration exacerbates local environmental problems,
such as noise, air pollution and traffic congestion.