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Patterns and Influencing Factors of Express Outlets in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Li

    (College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China)

  • Peng Zhang

    (College of Geography Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China)

Abstract

China’s express delivery industry has developed rapidly in the past decade, and the spatial distribution of express delivery outlets can reflect variations in regional development to a certain extent. Previous studies lacked point of interest (POI) data as the research object to analyze the limitations of express delivery outlets, and also lack a focus on the patterns that specifically occur in China. This study implemented spatial analysis methods such as nearest neighbor index, kernel density, and exploratory spatial data analysis to explore the spatial distribution patterns and characteristics of China’s express outlets, and used geographic detector factor detection to objectively analyze the factors that affect their distribution. The following are the main conclusions of this study: (1) in China, express delivery outlets are more abundant in the east and sparser in the west; (2) the local agglomeration of express outlets presents a concentric structure, and outlier clusters appeared in the northeast and central regions; (3) the distribution of the express outlets resulted from the combined action of multiple factors (e.g., population factors, etc.). Our study not only explores and analyzes the overall situation in China but also broadens the scope of express outlet research.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Li & Peng Zhang, 2022. "Patterns and Influencing Factors of Express Outlets in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:8061-:d:853884
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wen‐Tai Hsu, 2012. "Central Place Theory and City Size Distribution," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 122(563), pages 903-932, September.
    2. Zhongzhen Yang & Jing Lu & Xiaocong Zhu & Peng Jia, 2013. "Optimizing parcel delivery paths using a highway passenger transport-based express service," Transportation Planning and Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(7), pages 581-598, October.
    3. Martin, Florian & Hemmelmayr, Vera C. & Wakolbinger, Tina, 2021. "Integrated express shipment service network design with customer choice and endogenous delivery time restrictions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 294(2), pages 590-603.
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    Cited by:

    1. Song Liu & Yongwang Cao & Qi Gao & Weitao Liu, 2025. "Spatial Accessibility in Last-Mile Logistics: A New Dimension of Urban–Rural Integration," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-23, August.
    2. Bajaro, Donna Faye & Jinjarak, Yothin & Myoda, Yuho & Park, Donghyun & Quising, Pilipinas, 2025. "Health spending efficiency in developing Asia," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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