The changing structure of merchandise management and logistics and its effects on urban development

The paper focuses on the interaction between freight distribution, logistic s and urban development processes. It is suggested that the role of cities is being transformed from that of a traditional point of goods-transshipmen t to a mere link in long-distance commodity chains. As a result of the intr oduction of new logistics concepts within companies, and depending on speci fic functional requirements, suburban and peripheral locations tend to be p referred locations of logistics centres and distribution functions. Thus fa r, the rationalisation of logistics and the locational behaviour of firms h ave had spatial impacts not only in terms of freight traffic, emissions and demand for space but also in terms of challenging traditional urban functi ons. Against this background further perspectives of urban development are discussed with respect to the spatial implications of modern logistics.