Goods Flow Analysis as Defining Element of LDC Location – Case Study City of Zagreb

Development of logistics and distribution centres (LDC) has a major impact on improving the entire transport chain and promotion sustainable modes of transport, as well as integrating and linking the national transport system and commodity flows. Integration of LDC network is required to achieve full potential of LDC network in regional development. Development of new and existing LDC needs to support the integration of different sectors that are important for the development of operational environments of LDC in order to improve the integration of seaports, logistics centres and other entities involved in the entire supply chain. Mode and functions of LDC at a particular location significantly depends on the structure and features of the gravitational flow of goods in the terminal zone. The structure and intensity of commodity flows in a particular area is one of the most important criteria for selecting macro location of the LDC. Location of Zagreb junction is suitable for organizing and attracting domestic and transit cargo flows, because Zagreb connects the Adriatic ports, as a significant generator of transit cargo flows, with the Central and South-East European countries, as a destination or starting point of these flows of goods.