Efficiency evaluation considering structural heterogeneity in China's provincial logistics industries: A network slacks-based measure approach

Accurate evaluation of provincial logistics efficiency in China is crucial for enhancing economic competitiveness, but it remains challenged by significant structural heterogeneity, which is primarily driven by differing core transportation modes. Coastal provinces integrate three-mode networks (highway, railway, and waterway), while geographically constrained inland provinces rely solely on highway and railway. To address this, this study proposes a “structural heterogeneity-sensitive” framework using network SBM-DEA. The key steps include: (1) grouping provinces into multiple subunits based on waterway capability, (2) adaptively applying network SBM-DEA to each subgroup to precisely capture input-output inefficiencies, and (3) calculating overall provincial efficiency as the weighted average of subgroup efficiencies. Theoretically, this study pioneers the systematic integration of “heterogeneity in core transportation mode composition” into provincial logistics efficiency evaluation frameworks, advancing the understanding of industry complexity. Empirical analysis of 2013–2022 data reveals three main findings: (1) Significant area differences. The eastern area demonstrates superior overall efficiency, while the central and western areas lag behind. The western area exhibits the lowest highway-waterway efficiency, whereas the central area shows the weakest railway performance. (2) Distinct inefficiency sources. Waterway-enabled provinces primarily suffer inefficiency in railway and waterway operations, while waterway-deficient provinces face challenges in highway efficiency. (3) Differing convergence trends. The east-west efficiency gap drives inter-area differences, with no σ convergence observed in the eastern area. Provincial efficiency displays spatial dependence, confirming “club convergence”. Nationwide β convergence indicates catch-up potential. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for national policymakers, provincial governments, and logistics enterprises to design differentiated strategies based on regional structural characteristics. Forecasts suggest efficiencies will converge toward relatively high levels.