ABSTRACT This paper analyses a set of measures for transport efficiency improvements from the
perspective of the road haulier, particularly regarding improvements suitable for urban distribution
and their effects. The first part of the paper addresses literature within the area of transport efficiency.
The second part reviews potential transport efficiency improvements with respect to environmental
impact and the number of actors involved in the decision. The third part presents results from interviews
with the CEOs of two road hauliers regarding their opinions of the transport efficiency
measures. Finally, the conclusions about transport efficiency measures are summarized in a
matrix, taking into account whether these measures can be considered as costs or benefits for the
actors involved. The results show ambiguous and often intricate relations with regard to costs and
benefits for the actors in the system. They also explain part of the inertia to change within the
freight industry. However, an increasing number of transport operators are now offering more sustainable
transport solutions and this service might gain them a competitive advantage in the future.
Keywords: transport efficiency; sustainability; urban freight distribution