In order to improve delivery network efficiency and to solve consumer satisfaction problems, parcel locker location optimisation scheme is proposed based on the delivery demand under the e-commerce environment. In this paper, a bilevel programming (BLP) model is established to identify the optimal location for parcel lockers by considering benefits of consumers and logistics planning departments. The upper-level model is to determine the optimal location by minimising the planners’ cost, and the lower one gives an equilibrium demand distribution by minimising the consumers’ pick-up cost. On the special form of constraints, a bilevel genetic algorithm is proposed based on GIS data and a genetic algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is employed to demonstrate the application of the method, which indicates that the model can solve the problem of parcel locker location.

This study aims to explore the freight demand network spatial patterns in six provinces of central China from the perspective of the spread of the epidemic and the freight imbalance and breakout. To achieve this purpose, the big data of “cart search” demand information provided by small and medium freight enterprises on the freight information platform are analyzed. 343,690 pieces of freight demand big data on the freight information platform and Python, ArcGIS, UCINET, and Gephi software are used. The results show that: (1) The choke-point of unbalanced freight demand network is Wuhan, and the secondary choke-points are Hefei and Zhengzhou. (2) In southern China, a chain reaction circle of freight imbalance is formed with Wuhan, Hefei, and Nanchang as the centers. In northern China, a chain reaction circle of freight imbalance is formed with Zhengzhou and Taiyuan as the centers. (3) The freight demand of the six provinces in central China exhibits typical characteristics of long tail distribution with large span and unbalanced distribution. (4) The import and export of freight in different cities vary greatly, and the distribution is unbalanced. This study indicates the imbalance difference, chain reaction, keys and hidden troubles posed by the freight demand network. From the perspectives of freight transfer breakout, freight balance breakout, freight strength breakout, and breakout of freight periphery cities, we propose solutions to breakouts in the freight market in six provinces of central China in the post-epidemic era.