Urban logistics and service traffic is essential for a functioning economy and a prosperous society. At the same time, it places a strain on the transportation system, society, and the environment, and is therefore often perceived as disruptive. These challenges require a nuanced analysis to respond appropriately. However, the precise structure and characteristics of commercial transport remain largely unexplored. A flexible reference model for precise segmentation could provide a standardized and detailed foundation for future studies. The aim of this preliminary study is to develop the fundamental building blocks for the structure, application, and requirements of this reference model.