Research on logistics network infrastructures based on DEA-PCA approach: Evidence from the yangtze river delta region in China

Compared with the extensive research on logistics network infrastructures (LNIs) in the developed world, empirical research is still scarce in China. In this paper the theory of LNIs is firstly overviewed. Then a new evaluation index system for LNIs is set up which contains factors that reflect the economic development level, transportation accessibility and turnover volume of freight traffic. An empirical study is carried out by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and principal component analysis (PCA) approach to classify LNIs into 4 clusters for 25 cities in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China. According to the characteristics of the 4 clusters, suggestions are proposed for improving their LNIs. Finally, after comparing different LNIs of 25 cities in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China, this paper proposes that different LNIs including hub, central distribution center or cross docking center, regional distribution center or distribution center should be built reasonably in order to meet the customer’s requirement in the four different cluster cities.