In this paper, we present a review of city logistics modeling efforts reported in the literature for urban freight analysis. The review framework takes into account the diversity and complexity found in the present-day city logistics practice. Next, it covers the different aspects in the modeling selection process that includes (1) the stakeholders’ involvement (2) the objective of modeling (3) the defining criteria i.e. the descriptor for modeling purpose and (4) the viewpoint for achieving objective i.e. the perceptive. This review argues that these factors are evidently demonstrating forces behind urban freight transportation and thus are more determinative for carrying out urban freight modeling. The review analyzes the trends of city logistics modeling research in terms of its relevance to city logistics problems and attempts to identify gaps in modeling urban freight domain.