The transport geography of logistics and freight distribution

Goods movement and freight distribution are widely underrepresented in regional science and geographical research. This is surprising since a large body of traditional spatial theory has been developed with respect to transportation costs or to trade areas: those aspects that were originally closely connected with the exchange of goods. Growing attention is being paid in geography to related subjects, such as the emergence of global production networks, to structural changes in retail or to the commodification of modern consumption. To a certain extent, these processes depend upon the efficient transfer of information, finance and physical goods. Yet, with a few exceptions, the freight sector appears to be neglected in contemporary research. This paper provides an overview of the emerging transport geography of logistics and freight distribution. It challenges the traditional perspective where transportation is considered as a derived demand with the idea that logistical requirements underline transportation as a component of an integrated demand. The paper provides an analysis of the evolution of logistics as it pertains to the core dimensions of transport geography (flows, nodes/locations and networks). The concept of logistical friction is also introduced to illustrate the inclusion of the multidimensional notion of impedance in integrated freight transport demand.     

Relative logistics sprawl: Measuring changes in the relative distribution from warehouses to logistics businesses and the general population

The logistics sprawl – warehousing and distribution centers relocating farther away from central urban areas to the urban periphery – has been widely examined in multiple global trade gateways. The spatial shifts have been attributed to the systematic and geographic restructuring of goods production and distribution systems at the global scale. More recently, growing online shopping sales and demand for instant delivery have put tremendous pressure on online retail businesses to locate order fulfillment centers in urban areas with direct access to the consumer markets. Has the trend of sprawling warehouses reversed? Have warehouses been relocating closer to consumer demand? In this research, I use a relative distribution measure to quantify the spatial distribution of warehouses relative to the logistics sector, the goods movement sector, and the general population over time. The main data source is ZIP Code Business Patterns from 2003 to 2016 with the study area of the 64 largest US metropolitan areas. In 2016, warehouses were most closely distributed relative to logistics sectors (38.6 km), followed by goods movement sectors (41.2 km), and population (43.5 km). From 2003 to 2016, the distance between warehouses and related businesses has increased, but the extent varies with respect to metropolitan and warehouse size. The trend of increasing relative distance from warehouses to related businesses stopped since the economic recession in 2008. Relative distribution measures are significantly correlated with internal ground shipment ton-kilometers but only in large trade gateways.     

Comparative North American and European gateway logistics: the regionalism of freight distribution

The global freight distribution system has been impacted by convergence in terms of technology, infrastructure, modes and terminals. Still, in spite of strong converging forces, it can be argued that logistical practices are far from being uniform. This paper analyses the regionalism in freight transport systems by providing a comparative analysis of gateway logistics practices in North America and Europe. It is demonstrated that Europe and North America are not walking the same paths when it comes to the configuration of transport and logistics networks, via operational decisions and the setting of a regulatory framework. The attributes of gateways, corridors, hinterlands, regulation, governance, value chains and labor provide an analytical framework to understand the regionalism of freight distribution in the North American and European contexts, as well as anywhere else.     

做好铁路货运中心的规划与设计更好地适应物流产业和社会发展要求

铁路发展不仅仅在客运方面,重载和货运也在发展。铁路货场是最常见、最基础的铁路设施,也是站场设计最基本的技能。货场布置形式多年来没有太大的变化,自从集装箱结点站开始建设后,在铁道部领导的指引下,开始树立整列进出货场的新理念,此后发展战略装车点,进一步推动了铁路货场设计方式的变革。随着那曲物流中心的建设,为铁路货场设计理念的转变创造了实践和应用的条件。此后,在厦门、成都、贵阳、重庆、昆明、银川、南宁等地结合枢纽改扩建、优化整合既有货场设施,以及调整客货布局,新建了新一代铁路货运中心。结合这些货运中心的建设,谈谈铁路货运中心发展的前景与设计中的一些方法。     

Power relations and market transformation in the transport sector: the example of the courier services industry

The courier services industry has developed rapidly in the last three decades. Formed in national niche markets, private sector corporations have grown to challenge one another and now to challenge deregulated state mail monopolies. In this paper we propose a ‘circuits of power’ framework to theorise the diversity, complexity and speed of this change. The framework derives from the work of Clegg (cf. Clegg, S., 1989. Frameworks of Power. Sage, London) and combines different conceptualisations of power to unpack the complex relationships of power and domination that have shaped the sector’s growth.     

Freight distribution in megacities: Perspectives of shippers,logistics service providers and carriers

We analyse the opinions of shippers, logistic service providers (LSPs) and carriers related to regulations and issues faced by these companies regarding freight distribution in megacities, and the logistical performance measures likely affected by those regulations and issues. We present a review of the freight distribution literature focusing on a large number of freight distribution aspects, such as regulatory, collaborative, environmental, logistical and risk. We also investigate some logistical performance indicators adopted by the companies. Subsequently, we conduct a survey with 147 companies working in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region (SPMR). We use multivariate analysis of variance to assess the logistical performance indicators and non-linear canonical correlation analysis to identify the most relevant freight distribution attributes. The results that the majority of carriers are located inside the SPMR and efficiently handle these issues better than others actors. The lack of collaboration, cargo theft, traffic congestion and some regulations affect the LSP’s logistical performance. Moreover, the actors perceive regulatory aspects, mainly traffic congestion, and a lack of security for deliveries in unsafe areas as the significant issues for deliveries in megacities.     

Evaluation of the spatial pattern of logistics facilities using urban logistics land-use and traffic simulator

Despite the growing research interests on the spatial restructuring of logistics facilities that occurred in many cities around the world, the relationship between the spatial pattern of logistics land use and the level of externalities is far from being elucidated. We use the Urban Logistics Land-use and Traffic Simulator (ULLTRA-SIM), developed for the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, to evaluate the level of externalities that accompany different spatial distribution patterns of logistics facilities. The ULLTRA-SIM takes a novel approach to analyze the urban freight impacts through the simulations of logistics facility locations, urban logistics chains, and truck flow. The results indicate that, while the moderate concentration and deconcentration of logistics facilities do not significantly affect the level of externalities, scarcity of logistics facilities in or near the high demand locations exacerbates negative externalities. Also, the results of the simulations underscore the need for rigorous analysis in order to reduce negative externalities through logistics land use policies.     

Investigations on the distribution of air transport traffic and CO2 emissions within the European Union

This study analyses the structure of air traffic and its distribution among the different countries in the European Union, as well as traffic with an origin or destination in non-EU countries. Data sources are Eurostat statistics and actual flight information from EUROCONTROL. Relevant variables such as the number of flights, passengers or cargo tonnes and production indicators (RPKs) are used together with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions data. The segmentation of air traffic in terms of distance permits an assessment of air transport competition with surface transport modes.The results show a clear concentration of traffic in the five larger countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK), in terms of RPKs. In terms of distance the segment between 500 and 1000 km in the EU, has more flights, passengers, RTKs and CO₂ emissions than larger distances. On the environmental side, the distribution of CO₂ emissions within the EU Member States is presented, together with fuel efficiency parameters. In general, a direct relationship between RPKs and CO₂ emissions is observed for all countries and all distance bands. Consideration is given to the uptake of alternative fuels. Segmenting CO₂ emissions per distance band and aircraft type reveals which flights contribute the most the overall EU CO₂ emissions. Finally, projections for future CO₂ emissions are estimated, according to three different air traffic growth and biofuel introduction scenarios.     

Global city regions and the location of logistics activity

The aim of this paper is to extend and develop research surrounding the links between transport and urban regions. An understanding of transport activity has long involved the use of spatial frameworks, seen in the idea of a gateway city (with its surrounding hinterland) and in the identification of hubs or nodes. The particular framework used here is the global city region, a build-out from the much researched global city, and acknowledged as the most prominent feature of spatial development in the global economy. As these areas can accommodate important sea and airport infrastructure, the global city region can be expected to play a significant role in global logistics. Whether that significance extends just from the physical realm, as reflected in the infrastructure, or whether it is embedded in the scale and complexity of the advanced business services sector within the global city, is the issue that lies at the heart of the research. The research has set out to answer the question: “How important are these regions in logistics activity?”. The question has relevance in the context of transport geography as it provides an urban structure perspective on what is commonly seen as separate port or airport activity. Its relevance is enhanced as its answer relies upon a simultaneous analysis of both sea and air freight activity. Results show these regions counted for a substantial and growing share of sea and air freight between 1996 and 2006. In accounting for that outcome the research explores the particular effect of infrastructure (showing that global city regions with multiple seaport and airports play a special role) and also isolates the links with global city functions. The paper concludes with some insight on the special challenge these places create for strategic urban planning policy.     

Product return and logistics knowledge: Influence on performance of the firm

Survey data on reverse logistics processes from 284 Spanish firms are used to test a structural model that analyzes the importance of returned materials and the creation of logistics knowledge within processes of reverse logistics and their effects on organizational performance. The results show that the cost of reverse logistics and the value of returns were found to be positively related to reverse logistics activities. Further, their proper management and the creation of logistics knowledge that improves organizational performance.     

Product return and logistics knowledge: Influence on performance of the firm

Survey data on reverse logistics processes from 284 Spanish firms are used to test a structural model that analyzes the importance of returned materials and the creation of logistics knowledge within processes of reverse logistics and their effects on organizational performance. The results show that the cost of reverse logistics and the value of returns were found to be positively related to reverse logistics activities. Further, their proper management and the creation of logistics knowledge that improves organizational performance.     

Factors in the sea ports-of-entry and road ports-of-entry cross-border logistics route choice

The increasing demand for foreign trade in inland areas has led to an increasingly prominent problem of competition between land ports-of-entry (POEs) and sea POEs, and it has also made the comparative study of land POEs and sea POEs cross-border logistics necessary. However, the data used in the existing literature are usually based on surveys or small samples, resulting in inaccurate research results, and most studies generally ignore the spatial heterogeneity of shippers who uses cross-border logistics service and individual preference differences. Taking the international trade between China, Myanmar and Vietnam as an example, and considering the geographical spatial characteristics of various factors, we analyze how geographical factors affect the cross-border logistics routes choice. By using the conditional logit model, the influence of geographical factors on the land POEs and sea POEs cross-border logistics routes choice is compared. The results show that there are significant differences in the characteristics and their influencing factors, which are reflected in the scale of freight, transportation distance, duration, transportation expense, infrastructure quality, geographical location and characteristics of the shippers and POEs. The distance equivalent tool is introduced to calculate the competition balance point of the sea/road POE. The impact mechanism of cross-border logistics choice of land POEs and sea POEs cross-border logistics is explored. Finally, according to the spatial differences of POEs, policy suggestions are proposed.     

第三方服务企业能力外购模型设计与分析

第三方服务企业为保持在市场竞争中的优势地位,应将能力和外购有效结合,以更加有效地利用企业内外部资源与能力.将企业看作一个能力集合,利用整数规划与模糊集合方法,从企业能力分析的角度,建立第三方服务企业能力外购的供应商选择模型,并通过实例对模型进行应用分析.     

我国大型企业实施逆向物流困难的原因及对策

近年来,随着逆向物流已被众多企业所重视,其业务呈现快速增长的趋势。据此,探讨实施逆向物流的重要性和我国大型企业实施逆向物流困难的原因,提出改善逆向物流实施的建议。     

浅谈化解富余员工安置与劳务项目外包的矛盾

科学发展观的核心内涵是,第一要义是发展,核心是以人为本,基本要求是全面协调可持续,根本方法是统筹兼顾.在国有企业,尤其是对于经历了计划经济时代长期发展历程而面临改革重组的老牌国有企业,如何解决好富余员工安置和劳务项目外包的矛盾,一直是制约企业顺利改革推行的一大难题.     

Growth and relational strategies used by the European logistics service providers: Rationale and outcomes

This article reports on research into the ways European providers of logistics and transport services develop and grow. The strategic behaviour adopted by the leading 20 third-party European logistics service providers (3PLs) between 1998 and 2004 is examined, particularly their approach to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and logistics alliances. It shows that while growth among 3PLs is aimed at providing more cohesive European logistics coverage, national culture constrains their efforts. More consolidation within the 3PL industry is expected. A few market leaders offer a wide range and scope of services, while most other firms have a diversified portfolio of interests.     

Transport corridors and regional balance in China: the case of coal trade and logistics

Coal plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of China. Yet, the spatial mismatch between production centers (inland Northwest) and consumption centers (coastal region) within China fostered the emergence of dedicated coal transport corridors with limited alternatives. Serious problems of energy shortage and power rationing have already affected southeastern China. At the same time, enormous interregional coal transfers face a lack of transport capacity along the transport system. Based on first-hand statistics, a disaggregated analysis of coal distribution patterns since the late 1970s provides novel evidences about the local effects of macroscopic trends, such as the shift from dominant exports to dominant imports in terms of changing traffic concentration levels and distribution patterns among routes and ports. The spatial evolution of coal distribution is also discussed in terms of related industry linkages and local influences, coal trade policies and market pricing, port system evolution, and transport network planning. The paper also discusses possible improvements of the current situation through enhancing multimodal transport based on a review of current policies.     

Causal nexus between the transport and logistics sector and trade: The case of Australia

Although a number of studies have already been conducted on the economic impact of the development of the transport and logistics sector and international trade, these are regarded as two separated topics, and little has been done so far to study in depth the relationship between them. This paper seeks to shed light on this issue in the context of Australia. To this end, the vector autocorrelation (VAR) framework is employed to explore the causal relationship between Australia–China trade and the development of the Australian transport and logistics sector. This framework is then extended to allow for the effect of Australia's trade with the US, Japan, the rest of the world and other variables. Based on the analysis results, implications for the transport and logistics sector are discussed.