Beyond Benefits of Urban Consolidation Centres: Classifying Value and Identifying Conditions for Value Realisation

Background: Urban consolidation centres (UCCs) are frequently promoted as means of improving urban freight transport, yet limited attention has been given to the types of value they generate and the conditions under which this value is realised. This study aims to develop a structured understanding of the value in UCCs by combining value classification with a value co-creation perspective. Methods: A qualitative case study of a financially viable municipal UCC was conducted based on interviews with UCC representatives and receivers. Results: The findings identify environmental, economic, customer, and information value, while also revealing unrealised value where services or benefits remain underutilised or insufficiently recognised. Value realisation was further found to depend on conditions within the provider, joint, and customer spheres, including receiver-oriented service development, communication, continuous dialogue, receiver competence, and system understanding. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that value realisation depends not only on the services provided by UCCs but also on interaction between UCC operators and receivers and on receivers’ ability to recognise and utilise potential value. Understanding these conditions can support the development of more viable UCC systems.