The largest part of food sales is managed by large food supply chains. However, an alternative system of food distribution focuses on locally produced and sold food that has gotten great attention in the last two decades. The challenges of those new systems, called short food supply chains (SFSC), represent tough market competitions, high distribution and logistics costs, small shipment sizes and so forth. Hence, the SFSC requires corresponding solutions in food distribution that are aligned with the contemporary logistics trends, sustainability and aspects of the new digital era. Using specially developed methodology, based on two different conceptual models, we showed how the SFSC could be designed from the aspects of innovative logistics modes and contemporary information and communication technologies, with the final aim to outline and evaluate different food distribution scenarios towards greater sustainability. The first conceptual model was aimed at the creation of innovative forms of SFSC, in which business process modelling was used in order to design and explore the given situation more thoroughly. For the purposes of conducting a comparative assessment of the distribution models developed in the previous part, the second conceptual model is developed. By using a qualitative approach, this is how the major advantages and challenges of practical implementations in creating sustainable distribution solutions are stated for each scenario.

Today's mankind and all human activities are constantly changing and evolving in response to changes in technology, social and economic environments and climate. Those changes drive a "new" way of manufacturing industry. That novelty could be described as the organization of production processes based on technology and devices autonomously communicating with each other along the value chain. Decision-makers have to address this novelty (usually named as Industry 4.0) and try to develop appropriate information systems, physical facilities, and different kind of technologies capable of meeting the future needs of economy. As a consequence, there is a need for new paradigms of the way freight is move, store, realize, and supply through the world (logistics system). One of the proposed solutions is the Physical Internet, concept of open global logistics system which completely redefines current supply chain configuration, business models, and value-creation patterns. However, further detailed research on this topic is much needed. This paper aims to provide a balanced review of the variety of views considered among professionals in the field of Physical Internet with the final aim to identify the biggest challenges (technological, societal, business paradigm) of proposed new logistics paradigm as a practical solution in supporting Industry 4.0.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine how customers from different market segments assess the quality of freight forwarding services, depending on the structure of services, as well as the mutual relation between the freight forwarder and the customers. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on the SERVQUAL model and surveys. The methodology for measuring the quality of logistics services in freight forwarding companies is developed. On the basis of the proposed methodology, the empirical research was conducted. The study includes 120 logistics professionals dealing with import and export trade flows who thereby use the services of freight companies. The verification of the SERVQUAL instrument, results and hypotheses are conducted using the factor analysis and ANOVA. Findings The results show that logistics service quality (LSQ) of freight forwarding companies in Serbia is not at a satisfactory level. Different market segments evaluate the level of quality of service in a different way. Also, customer exceptions and the level of quality depend on the structure of services, as well as the mutual relation between the freight forwarder and the customers. Research limitations/implications Empirical research and the results are limited to the Serbian market, and only one measurement tool. Practical implications The procedure and results of the research have practical applications and set the basis for the improvement of forwarding and logistics services. Originality/value This is one of the first papers dealing with the LSQ of freight forwarding companies in Serbia. Generally, the developed approach can be successfully applied on other markets, which adds value to this paper. New research hypotheses are developed and tested. In that manner, this paper makes contribution in measuring and improving the LSQ.

The challenges that logistics faces in the retail industry must be investigated in the context of the specific retail sector as well as the degree of development of the retail market. The research focus in this paper is on logistic processes in supermarket supply. The aim is to deepen the understanding of logistic processes and then to investigate the possibilities of their enhancement by applying radio frequency identification (RFID) as a higher level of information technology for product identification in retail supply chains. The research was conducted in one of the top ten trade companies in the emerging Serbian market. Simulation modelling was performed for one supply chain category, followed by quantification of time and cost performance of the current logistic processes (AS-IS model). Then, in accordance with the capabilities of RFID system, improvements are proposed and integrated into a new simulation model (TO-BE model).The obtained results can be utilised as part of a broader research when deciding on the implementation of modern information technologies in supply chains.

The identification and mitigation of negative externalities from goods deliveries in urban areas are important aspects of sustainable urban development. Previous studies have shown that urban freight consolidation increases the load factor of Delivery Vehicles (DVs), reducing the vehicle-kilometres driven and thus reducing negative freight transport externalities in urban areas. The objective of this paper is to explore the possible impact of the number of Urban Consolidation Centres (UCCs) on the external costs of last-mile deliveries in freight transport and to determine the possible contribution of such consolidation scenarios to external cost mitigation. Therefore, several consolidation scenarios are considered assuming different numbers of UCCs in operation. A new consolidation scheme is proposed with more than one UCC to serve a given city area. Input data are obtained from a roadside questionnaire survey with a sample of 1617 drivers at 9 access roads to an urban area as part of the NOvi Sad TRAnsport Model (NOSTRAM) study. Externalities are calculated using the IMPACT methodology and discussed for different urban freight consolidation options. The best option is identified, and the results indicate that properly planned, organised and managed urban freight consolidation can significantly reduce transport externalities. The main research results showed that all of the proposed consolidation options increase the total driving distance in an urban area. However, some consolidation options significantly reduce the driving distance of less manageable vehicles in last-mile deliveries (long-haul heavy- and light-duty vehicles). Consequently, the external costs ranged from 2108.3 to 5420.5 EUR for the consolidation option, whereas the current state externalities are 2791.4 EUR. Thus, more small UCCs may provide better results than the central centre even in medium-sized cities.