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A taxonomy of logistics centres: overcoming conceptual ambiguity

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  • Theo Notteboom
  • Francesco Parola
  • Giovanni Satta
  • Marcello Risitano

Abstract

This manuscript aims to disentangle the conceptual ambiguity around the notion of logistics centre. It proposes an overarching framework that categorises different types of infrastructure and identifies their distinctive components. The lack of a sound conceptualisation of logistics centres originates from the variety in temporal and spatial approaches. In transportation chains, path-breaking trends in market needs, technological innovations and institutional changes, as well as the place specificity of logistics centres embedded in various national contexts, inevitably led to a substantial theoretical ambiguity. This study consolidates prior fragmented works and identifies suitable criteria for classifying logistics centres. The functional criterion is proposed as a cornerstone for building a sound conceptualisation of these infrastructures. By capturing the distinctive characteristics of each type of logistics centre, the paper proposes an original and comprehensive taxonomy, which emphasises commonalities and specificities of various infrastructures. The paper provides a contribution to literature by sketching out a trustworthy conceptualisation of logistics centres. In addition, the outcomes bring insightful implications for researchers, policy-makers and practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Theo Notteboom & Francesco Parola & Giovanni Satta & Marcello Risitano, 2017. "A taxonomy of logistics centres: overcoming conceptual ambiguity," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(3), pages 276-299, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:transr:v:37:y:2017:i:3:p:276-299
    DOI: 10.1080/01441647.2016.1231234
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    1. Pfohl, Hans-Christian, 2004. "Erfolgsfaktor Kooperation in der Logistik : Outsourcing - Beziehungsmanagement - Finanzielle Performance," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 22899, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
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    Cited by:

    1. Onstein, Alexander T.C. & Bharadwaj, Ishani & Tavasszy, Lóránt A. & van Damme, Dick A. & el Makhloufi, Abdel, 2021. "From XXS to XXL: Towards a typology of distribution centre facilities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    2. Erica Varese & Danilo Stefano Marigo & Mariarosaria Lombardi, 2020. "Dry Port: A Review on Concept, Classification, Functionalities and Technological Processes," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Witte, Patrick & Wiegmans, Bart & Roso, Violeta & Hall, Peter V., 2020. "Moving beyond land and water: Understanding the development and spatial organization of inland ports," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    4. Yang, Dong & Notteboom, Theo & Zhou, Xin, 2021. "Spatial, temporal and institutional characteristics of entry strategies in inland container terminals: A comparison between Yangtze River and Rhine River," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    5. Witte, Patrick & Wiegmans, Bart & Ng, Adolf K.Y., 2019. "A critical review on the evolution and development of inland port research," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 53-61.
    6. Liu, Weichen & Cao, Youhui & Chen, Jianglong & Guo, Jiaying & Liang, Shuangbo, 2023. "Organization of river-sea container transportation in the Yangtze River: Processes and mechanisms," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    7. Liu, Sijing & He, Nannan & Cao, Xindan & Li, Guoqi & Jian, Ming, 2022. "Logistics cluster and its future development: A comprehensive research review," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    8. Zhen Chen, 2021. "Research on the Innovation Imbalance Between Coastal and Inland Port Cities Along the Belt and Road: Based on the Three Helix Theory," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(1), pages 21582440219, February.
    9. Gujar, Girish C. & Ng, Adolf K.Y. & Notteboom, Theo, 2019. "The impacts of major government initiatives on the development of dry ports: A case study of the direct port delivery scheme in India," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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