Regional Logistics Network Research Articles

Pricing and revenue allocation mechanisms for regional logistics networks in Cyber-Physical Internet

Cyber-Physical Internet technology links physical and virtual networks, facilitating communication and coordination for logistics stakeholders regarding their operational decisions. However, the optimal pricing within a regional logistics network incorporating Cyber-Physical Internet remains unexplored. To address this issue, this paper develops a Stackelberg game model between a carrier and a group of road operators. We derive and analyze the equilibrium decisions of the carrier’s logistics service fee and road operators’ tolls under distributed and horizontal partnership pricing strategies. Furthermore, we compare these two strategies and design a revenue allocation mechanism for road operators. Our theoretical and numerical analyses yield the following key findings. First, our results debunk the prevailing belief about toll pricing, demonstrating that road operators reduce their toll charges in response to a peer’s toll increase driven by rising unit variable road costs. Second, a collaborative pricing strategy among road operators consistently enhances market demand and profits by minimizing toll charges to the carrier. Third, revenue allocation among road operators is primarily based on unit variable road costs, ensuring fair distribution and encouraging cooperation for long-term benefits. This study enhances our understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of pricing strategies for carriers and road operators within Cyber-Physical Internet.

A Bilevel Programming Model for Designing a Collaborative Network for Regional Railway Transportation and Logistics: The Case of the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Region in China

For the coordinated development of regional logistics, there is a need to break down the administrative barriers between cities and build an efficient and smooth regional logistics network. Integrating regional logistics resources to achieve cross‐regional optimal allocation is essential for efficient logistics networks. The accessibility and high capacity of the railway transportation network make it possible and necessary for the coordinated construction of railway transportation and logistics networks. This paper studies a bilevel programming model to analyse the collaborative network planning process of railway transportation and logistics. The objective is to take into account the existing layout of regional railway traffic network and the future needs of regional logistics. For the upper level of the bilevel programming model, the social, economic, and logistics service index of regional railway traffic nodes is considered to determine the numbers and locations of radiation of the cities. Meanwhile, the lower programming model uses a logistics gravity model, 0‐1 integer programming model, and logistics membership degree to calculate the logistics correlation between node cities and the radiation range of the hub cities. An empirical study of the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei region in China shows the process and effectiveness of the bilevel programming model. Four distinctive logistics radiation circles, five trunk lines, nine hub‐spoke branch lines, and six branch lines are suggested. A railway traffic‐oriented regional logistics network provides a reference for regional railway traffic planning, thereby optimizing the allocation of regional logistics resources, improving the level of regional logistics services, and contributing to the development of the regional logistics industry.

Construction of Agricultural Products Logistics Network in Hebei Province Based on Improved Gravity Mode

Solving the problems of “agriculture, rural areas” has always been the top priority of national development work and the focus of social attention. Logistics, as the “third source of income”, can give full play to the role of logistics to enable agricultural products to obtain higher returns in the case of high production. In the context of the increasing demand for high-quality life, it is particularly important to reduce the consumption of agricultural products in the transportation process and ensure the quality of fresh agricultural products. A reasonable logistics network system can effectively reduce costs, save manpower and promote the increase of farmers’ income. Based on the research of factor analysis and gravity model, this paper adopts 11 prefecture-level cities in Hebei Province as research samples, and studies the economic development level of each city in Hebei Province, the scale and level of logistics industry development, the demand degree of agricultural products, and the supply degree of agricultural products as four indicators, and constructs a regional agricultural product logistics quality index system. The logistics quality and logistics gravity of agricultural products were calculated, the results of the model were graded, the regional logistics network of agricultural products was drawn and analyzed based on the logistics gravity strength, and some suggestions were put forward to improve the development of regional logistics network of agricultural products. Based on this, this paper believes that only by vigorously developing the construction of agricultural logistics network system can agriculture get better development, and in promoting the development of agriculture, it can optimize and upgrade the local logistics infrastructure and drive the regional economic development.

Research on layout optimization of logistics network of metropolitan area based on hub-and-spoke theory

In order to give full play to the role of regional logistics in the regional economic development of the metropolitan area, a kind of hub-and-spoke regional logistics network based on hub-and-spoke model was established, which has the characteristics of hub-and-spoke network scale economy, scope economy, density economy and structure economy. Seventeen technical and economic indicators are sorted out from regional economy, industrial and commercial development, transportation infrastructure development and logistics industry development, and 35 counties and districts in the Capital metropolitan area are used as the research objects in 2020. The model is used to determine the network layout among node cities and to optimize the logistics network in the Capital metropolitan area.

Spatial Difference of China's Regional Logistics Development and Construction of Information Network Platform Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology Under the Background of New Economy.

Regional logistics is an important part of the regional economy. It plays an important role in optimizing the allocation of regional resources, promoting the upgrading of regional industrial structure, and promoting the sustainable development of regional economy. It is known as the “accelerator” of regional economic growth. Under the background of the expanding regional economic differences in China, this article focuses on the important components of regional economy, researching on regional logistics in different regions. This article focuses on the regional logistics development level, the internal mechanism of regional logistics promoting regional economic growth, the current situation and influencing factors of regional logistics development level differences, and the regional logistics development level differences. The purpose of this article is to study the application of artificial intelligence technology to the spatial difference analysis of China’s regional logistics development and the construction of information network platform under the background of the new economy. In this article, factor analysis is used to construct the index system. The research shows that the intensity of regional logistics connection is significantly enhanced, the regional logistics network is further improved, and a relatively complete multilevel regional logistics network structure is basically formed. In addition, there are great differences in the level of logistics development among regions. The characteristics of the spatial distribution circle in the eastern, central, and western regions are obvious, which is positively related to the economic development, in the Pearl River Delta with the strongest comprehensive competitiveness. The score coefficient of the Yangtze River Delta logistics area is 1.464, and the score coefficient of the northwest logistics weakest area is −0.328. The development of regional logistics can focus on the construction of logistics park, the construction of logistics network system, the progress of regional logistics technology, and the improvement of logistics efficiency. The construction of logistics park is conducive to the integration of regional logistics resources, improves the utilization efficiency of regional logistics resources, forms the economies of scale, and then reduces the transaction cost of the whole region.

The Co-evolution of the Regional Logistics Network in the Chengdu\u2013Chongqing Region Based on Node Attraction

With the formation of urban agglomerations, economic zones, and metropolitan areas, the supporting role of the regional logistics industry in economic development is becoming increasingly prominent. It is of great significance to study the spatiotemporal evolution and the coordinated development of regional logistics networks to realize regional integration. In this paper, we propose the weighted co-evolution model of regional logistics networks based on node attraction by introducing concepts such as logistics attractiveness, geographic space distance, and logistics node level, and we integrate the true regional situation into the evolution model. Taking the Chengdu–Chongqing region as an example, we analyze the co-evolution simulation of the area’s regional logistics network. The results show that (1) there are three node connections between new and original nodes, and 50 nodes are added per time interval, which is an ideal situation for studying the evolution of a regional logistics network; (2) the future evolution of the regional logistics network in the Chengdu–Chongqing region can be divided into three stages: the initial construction period from the initial state to the T2 stage, the slow maturity period from T2 to T3, and the coordinated development period from T3 to T4. This research serves as a reference for government managers to formulate logistics development plans.

Structure and Toughness Optimization of Multi-Layer Weighted Regional Logistics Network—Taking the Central Region of China as an Example

Structure and Toughness Optimization of Multi-Layer Weighted Regional Logistics Network—Taking the Central Region of China as an Example

Decision onRegional Logistics Network Based on H-S and P-P Network: Taking Tobacco Transportation Logistics as anExample

Objectives: The logistics hub construction has always been the short board of logistics network planning in China. In order to improve the decision-making efficiency of logistics enterprise’s hub selection and reduce its comprehensive operation cost, this paper establishes a cost difference model for hub-and-spoke(H-S) and point-to-point(P-P) networks considering the fixed cost of hubs, transportation and route costs based on the 0-1 integer nonlinear programming. The model aims at minimizing the cost difference between the two networks, and divides the fixed cost of the hubs into three situations: full lease, lease and self-built, and fully self-built. Finally, this paper takes tobacco transportation logistics as an example, and use particle swarm algorithm to solve the model by using tobacco transportation logistics data of a logistics enterprise in Jiangsu Province. The results show that: (i) in the case of complete leasing, the total cost of the H-S network decreases with the increase of the number of hubs, and the cost change has a point of intersection with the total cost of the P-P network;(ii) when the lease and self-build are mixed, the increase is first reduced and then increased, it is U-shaped and has a minimum value, and there are two intersections with the total cost of the P-P network;(iii) the situation of completely self-built and fully leased is just the opposite. This paper takes tobacco transportation logistics as a representative, and provides a reference for logistics companies to choose the appropriate regional logistics network structure and different pivot points.

Impact analysis of investment coordination mechanisms in regional low-carbon logistics network design

This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the impact of logistics park investment coordination mechanisms on regional low-carbon logistics network design for multiple cities, including non-budget-sharing mechanism, centralized-budget-sharing mechanism and conditional-budget-sharing mechanism. First, a mixed-integer linear programming model on the non-budget-sharing mechanism is formulated, which aims to minimize the total amount of CO2 emissions generated from freight transport activities within a regional logistics network. The other two mechanisms are addressed to compare their effects on the system performance of the regional network. To empirically assess the effectiveness of the three mechanisms, a case study based on Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan regional low-carbon logistics network design is investigated. The findings show that the performance of the conditional-budget-sharing mechanism is superior to the non-budget-sharing mechanism, but inferior to the centralized-budget-sharing mechanism. Furthermore, the designed investment coordination mechanisms and corresponding optimization models provide a coordinated reference for multiple cities regarding logistics park investment and low-carbon logistics network design.

Construction of Regional Logistics Weighted Network Model and Its Robust optimization: Evidence from China

In this paper, we construct a regional logistics model from a macroperspective. First, based on the gravity model, the index of logistics attraction between cities is established as the weight of the model, and hence the regional logistics weighted model is constructed. Next, we use the social network analysis method to analyze its structure and make specific recommendations for the construction of logistics networks. Finally, we analyze the model’s response to random attacks and deliberate attacks. From our study, it is found that when the failure nodes or edges reach a certain percentage, the regional logistics network will collapse on a large scale. Therefore, it is important to optimization the threshold of the regional logistics network. This clearly provides a new perspective for the study of the regional logistics networks.

Improved gravity model under policy control in regional logistics

Regional logistics has become an important direction of logistics development. The rationality of regional logistics network layout will affect the regional development. And the measurement and calculation of node gravity is an important aspect affecting the layout of logistics network. Nowadays, the traditional gravity model cannot measure the condition of a network properly. This paper focuses on the nodal gravity measurement in the logistics network and constructs an improved gravity model considering the role of policy. Quantifying the policy factors makes the measurement more realistic. We test our model on a famous regional logistics network in China. Result shows that cities are greatly influenced by policies, which change the node gravity obviously and even change the gravity level of logistics. This paper shows that the traditional gravity model ignores the impact of policy quantification on logistics gravity, and the improved gravity model that proposed in this paper has more practical significance.

Regional Logistics Network Design in Mitigating Truck Flow-Caused Congestion Problems

Truck flow plays a vital role in urban traffic congestion and has a significant influence on cities. In this study, we develop a novel model for solving regional logistics network (RLN) design problems considering the traffic status of the background transportation network. The models determine not only the facility location, initial distribution planning, roadway construction, and expansion decisions but also offer an optimal solution to the logistics network service level and truck-type selections. We first analyze the relationship between the urban transportation network and the RLN design problem using real truck data and traffic flow status in a typical city. Then, we develop the uncover degree function (UDF), which reflects the service degree of the RLN and formulates based on an impedance function. Subsequently, the integrated logistics network design models are proposed. We model the RLN design problem as a minimal cost problem and design double-layer Lagrangian relaxation heuristics algorithms to solve the model problems. Through experiments with data from the six-node problem and Sioux-Falls network, the effectiveness of the models and algorithms is verified. This study contributes to the planning of regional logistics networks while mitigating traffic congestion caused by truck flow.

Draft model of delivery routes at a city logistics scale when applying the Clarke-Wright method

The manuscript deals with the subject of determining the optimal delivery routes in terms of supplying urban distribution centers when minimizing the distance traveled in a particular region for the purpose of addressing city logistics issues using the specific Operations Research method, namely the Clarke-Wright method. Thus, the main paper objective is to examine the issue: what are the optimal transport journeys from the specific object among individual customers in a certain region in order to execute minimum transport performance? First two sections of the manuscript specify the relevant concepts regarding the issue of distribution tasks and vehicle routing problem, and presents data and methods in relation to this research study. The most significant part of the article models the individual routes to determine the optimal interconnections of urban distribution center and their supply from one logistics service center in a regional logistics network at a city logistics scale when applying the Clarke-Wright method. The last sections of the elaborated research study evaluate the major findings and discuss the possible future initiatives in the topic addressed.

Regional multimodal logistics network design considering demand uncertainty and CO2 emission reduction target: A system-optimization approach

This paper investigates an interesting regional multimodal logistics network design problem with CO2 emission reduction target and uncertain demands in the context of urban cluster development. From the perspective of system optimization, a regional logistics network involves a centralized logistics authority and a centralized carrier, where the logistics authority concerns the regional logistics network configuration in terms of the number, location and scale of logistics parks and the subsidies of rail transportation links, and the carrier’s decisions include the choice of transportation route for each logistics demand. Given a determined logistics demand pattern, this multi-stakeholder decision making problem is first formulated as a bi-level programming model followed by its equivalent mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) to depict the leader-follower behaviors. To capture the risk aversion level of the logistics authority in uncertain demand environment, an improved adjustable robust optimization method is proposed, including an individual control parameter and providing an exact expression of the maximum satisfaction probability. Computational results and related impact analysis demonstrate that the proposed models and solution methods are effective, which can provide the beneficial theory basis and practice guide for the green and sustainable development of regional logistics.

Research on the Supernetwork Equalization Model of Multilayer Attributive Regional Logistics Integration

Based on the multi-level structure attributes of regional logistics, regional logistics integration presents complex features. Therefore, according to the operational requirements of regional logistics integration, we built a regional logistics network structure model consisting of infrastructure, information resources, and organizational networks; selected the level of relationship between different layers and information dissemination, and transport flow as decision variables. We built a supernetwork mathematical model of regional logistics integration with multiple layers of attributes. Considering the constraints of marginal cost changes and overall revenue, we found an equilibrium solution for the operation of regional logistics integration supernetwork. That is, the optimal match between the level of relationship, the level of information dissemination and the transportation flow, provides a reference basis for the formulation of relevant policies and implementation strategies.

A Study on Location of Logistics Hubs of Hub-and-Spoke Network in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

Through the analysis of the logistics operation scene in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, a hub-and-spoke regional logistics network with four modes of transportation was constructed. Considering the network balance factor, the number of network hubs should be determined. Then, with full consideration of various factors including fixed cost, transshipment cost and integrated transportation advantages, the hub-and-spoke logistics network location model is established. We design the corresponding genetic algorithm to solve the location problem of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional logistics network hub. Finally, the feasibility of the model is verified by the actual logistics operation data of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and the optimal layout of regional logistics hub is calculated.According to the analysis of the final logistics hub layout, we can find that 7 selected logistics hub in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region are distributed evenly. In terms of Beijing, the 3 selected logistics hubs in the city are located in the north, southwest and east west areas, which form a stable triangle covering Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. In terms of Tianjin, the 2 selected logistics hubs play an important role in connecting Tianjin with the surrounding cities around the region. In terms of Hebei, the 2 selected logistics hubs serve the southern region as well as cross-regional logistics operations.

B2C E-COMMERCE CUSTOMIZED LOGISTICS AREA INVENTORY ALLOCATION STRATEGY BASED ON CONSTRAINED CLUSTERING ALGORITHM

Logistics network includes regional logistics network and urban logistics network. In this paper, the urban logistics network is taken as the research object. With the improvement of the consumption level of the residents, the attention to quality has become an important reference standard for consumers to choose e-commerce, which makes the electric business shift from "price war" to "service war". Compared with past purchases in physical stores, most consumers prefer to choose convenient and fast online shopping. As a result, the size of the online shopping market has increased rapidly. According to statistics, the growth rate of the online shopping market in the past five years is over 100%, and the growth rate will slow down in the next few years, but it will still maintain steady growth. The importance of logistics for an e-business enterprise is obvious. The improvement and perfection of logistics distribution network is imminent. Scholars at home and abroad have studied this aspect for a long time. This research is based on the optimization of ecommerce logistics distribution network. By summing up the ideas and solutions proposed by researchers at home and abroad for this problem, and combining with the actual situation, a method of optimizing the B2C e-commerce logistics distribution network is designed. Considering the special traffic situation and the actual order demand in the city, the distribution area division, the distribution site stratification, the vehicle routing optimization and the logistics network optimization model are set up, and a combination of various methods is used to solve the problem.

An efficient auction mechanism for regional logistics synchronization

This paper is the first attempt to propose an efficient auction mechanism for the regional logistics synchronization (RLS) problem, which aims to capture both logistics punctuality and simultaneity in a regional logistics network. The main motivation of RLS is motivated by our industrial collaborator, i.e. a third-party logistics (3PL) company, that if the delay has already occurred or will occur, the customers tend to pursue the simultaneity. We develop the one-sided Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (O-VCG) auction to realize incentive compatibility (on the buy side), budget balance, and individual rationality. The vehicle routing problem faced by the 3PL company is formulated as the lane covering problem with RLS requirements. Given the complexity of the proposed model, three canonical swarm intelligence meta-heuristics are employed to address the auction-based RLS problem. Besides, a superior tracking artificial bee colony with novel information learning mechanism is further developed to explore better solutions. Comparison results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed optimizers in terms of realized social welfare. Experimental results show that the O-VCG auction can achieve high synchronization level, approximately allocative efficiency and (ex post) budget balance.

Regional low-carbon timber logistics network design and management using multi-objective optimization

ABSTRACTWith the concern about environmental issues, supply chain designers and managers need to make trade-offs between the environmental impacts and costs of a logistics network. We develop a multi-objective optimization model that minimizes the total cost and CO2 emissions of a regional timber logistics network and seeks for the simultaneous optimization of logistics network design and operation. The generic model is applied to a case study in Jiangle County in China. The Pareto solution set, derived by applying the normalized normal constraint method, shows the relationship between carbon emissions and total cost. Our results reveal that both network structure and the allocations of timber flows have effects on the Pareto solutions, suggesting the importance of considering network design and management together in logistics network analysis. The model results also indicate that though the current carbon price is hard to trigger the change of the timber logistics network structure in Jiangle County, it can still be a driving force to push the decision-makers to implement lower carbon logistics plans. Additionally, sensitivity analysis shows that improving road conditions can remarkably reduce CO2 emissions in the logistics network and that maintaining an appropriate ratio of timber supply to demand can lead to some compromise between carbon emissions and total cost. These findings offer new insights into the trade-offs between the carbon emissions and total cost of the regional timber logistics network, which are of value to logistics network designers and managers as well as policy-makers in the study region and beyond.

Performance Evaluation of Regional Logistics Network Operation Based on Reverse Logistics Mode

Performance Evaluation of Regional Logistics Network Operation Based on Reverse Logistics Mode