# Solutions to the Problem of Freight Transport Flows in Urban Logistics
## 4 Discussion  
From the analysis of scientific literature sources, several solutions for the optimization of cargo transport flows can be distinguished:  
* The use and development of information technologies to manage, coordinate, and control information;
* Management efficiency through innovation in both urban regulations and environmental solutions;
* Placement of large terminals and small distribution centers in the countryside, taking into account the location of shopping centers and industrial districts;
* Infrastructure development using innovative solutions and information technologies;
* Collaboration, cooperation, and information and resource sharing among urban logistics participants. The function of freight transport and the physical movement of goods from one place to another depends on the carrying capacity and regulation of the urban area. The problem is that these parameters are often not used if there is no cooperation between the public and private sectors and between business entities operating in one economic space in a certain territory in a city's logistics system. Evaluating the purpose of this research, the chosen methodology, and the circumstances of the applicability of the obtained data, it can be said that the research covered all the research questions and tasks required by researchers. The study was focused on identifying possible optimization opportunities for city logistics by evaluating freight traffic and it was implemented. In the studies conducted by researchers, it was not possible to find how the use of self-service terminals in peripheral logistics centers for small cargoes in city logistics, as is done when transporting small parcels, could affect freight traffic flows. Research has focused on the cooperation of logistics companies in the first or last mile and the use of information technology, ecological transport, and mobility, but has not examined the contribution of the shippers or receivers themselves to the planning and sustainable transportation process in urban logistics. In summarizing the results of the previous research and the conducted research, it can be said that ideally, heavy transport should only be used for the direct transportation of bulky and heavy loads. In an urban logistics system, it should only be applied in the long or split first or last mile. However, due to the restriction of heavy freight transport in the central part of a city, transshipment points are needed for transshipment to commercial transport of smaller dimensions and carrying capacity. Freight transport is least desirable in the central part of a city, because that is where it causes the most problems due to its dimensions, pollution, acceleration, and braking. Traffic flows are determined by the developed urban infrastructure, road capacity, traffic regulations, and the location of shopping centers, industrial centers, and logistics centers. In order for freight transport to move smoothly through the urban area, a suitable infrastructure is needed to optimize freight transport flows. This study revealed that the creation of a network of small self-service terminals on the outskirts of a city would benefit from such a function. Terminals of this type should be located on the outskirts of the central part of the city, taking into account the concentration and geographical location of business entities. Terminal functioning and servicing should be delegated to logistics companies with logistics warehouses outside of a city's territory. Business entities could transport small loads to the self-service terminals in the central part of the city through established transport channels. Transport companies are looking for different ways to attract professional drivers, both from the local labor market and through migrants.