Research on Layout Optimization of Multi-hub Hybrid Hub and Spoke Railway Cold Chain Logistics Network

Abstract

In order to optimize the railway cold chain logistics network in China, this paper conducted the study in the following steps. 14 parameters in cold chain logistics were analyzed, including railway freight volume, social economy, human resources and cold chain logistical infrastructure. The general competitiveness of various provinces in railway cold chain logistics was evaluated with PCA(Principal Component Analysis). Some alternatives of railway cold chain logistics hubs were offered. The spatial layout model of the hub and spoke railway cold chain logistical network in China was constructed by the determination of the radiation range of each hub province with the improved gravity model. and the membership relationship of each province by the membership model. Finally, the empirical analysis shows that based on the suggested network model with Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu and Sichuan Province as primary hubs, and Zhejiang, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, Anhui, Hubei and Fujian Province as secondary hubs respectively, a feasible multi-hub railway cold chain logistical network can be constructed. It concludes that the suggested model helps the construction and operation of the hub and spoke railway cold chin logistical network in China.