Optimizing Metro-Based Logistics Hub Locations for Sustainable Urban Freight Distribution

Zixi Bai (), Haonan Wang and Kai Yang
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Zixi Bai: School of Logistics, Beijing Wuzi University, Beijing 101149, China
Haonan Wang: School of Logistics, Beijing Wuzi University, Beijing 101149, China
Kai Yang: CCCC Water Transportation Consultants Co., Ltd., Beijing 100007, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: The fast growth of global e-commerce has made cargo transportation and package delivery more important in cities. However, the limited resources for urban road traffic have made urban logistics distribution less efficient. The global movement toward green sustainability, energy conservation, and emission reduction has heightened awareness of the necessity to enhance urban mobility and transportation. This work further investigates the optimization of distribution hub locations based on subway systems, informed by research on urban distribution modes and the current state of underground logistics. This work presents two unique models: a metro-integrated evaluation model and a distribution hub location model, aimed at identifying the ideal subway logistics station and establishing the distribution center with minimal total logistics costs. A heuristic method, the jellyfish search algorithm (JS) in particular, is carefully explained in order to find a good answer for the model. From an empirical perspective, the district of Chaoyang in Beijing, China, was taken as a case to simulate the progress of identifying an ideal metro station as a city distribution hub, aimed at minimizing total logistical costs. The results indicate that the subway system can be used for city deliveries, and the proposed model and method are very useful for improving the location of delivery hubs in the city. Consequently, when subway facilities allow, we should fully utilize the extensive capacity of the subway transit system to enhance the efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable advancement of urban logistics.

Keywords: metro logistics; location of distribution hubs; metro-integrated evaluation model; jellyfish search algorithm; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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