Grade Setting of a Timber Logistics Center Based on a Complex Network: A Case Study of 47 Timber Trading Markets in China

Abstract

The location and grade setting of a timber logistics center is an important link in the optimization of the timber logistics system, the rationality of which can effectively improve the efficiency of the timber logistics supply chain. There is a long distance between the main forested areas in China, and more than 55% of the timber demand depends on imports. Research and practice of systematically planning timber logistics centers in the whole country have not been well carried out, which reduces the efficiency of timber logistics. In this paper, 47 timber trading markets with a certain scale in China are selected as the basis for logistics center selection. Based on their transportation network relationship and the number of enterprises in the market, combined with the complex network theory and data analysis method, the network characteristics of three different transportation networks are measured. After determining the transportation capacity indicator, the logistics capacity coefficient is measured based on the freight volume of each node. Then, the important nodes are identified, and each node is graded to systematically set up the timber logistics center.Information 2020, 11, 107 2 of 19 algorithm. The upper-level model is to determine the optimal location by minimizing the planners' cost, and the lower gives an equilibrium demand distribution by minimizing the customers' cost, so as to find the best location for a logistics distribution center. Marković et al. (2013) [2] considered the significance of selecting and ranking different locations. It is necessary to compare, as objectively as possible, the influences of various criteria and reduce them to a common function, i.e., present the methodology for solving complex problems associated with the ranking of alternatives. Önden et al. (2016) [3] determined that 19 logistics centers in Turkey are developing a systematic approach and integrating different transport modes to improve logistics performance. To reach suitability levels, seven decision criteria were considered with their priority levels. Zhang et al. (2017) [4] proposed a rural logistics center location model based on the theory of intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS. On the basis of the evaluation indicator system, the information is integrated according to the experts' score. The entropy weight method is used to determine the weight of each evaluation indicator. The results are sorted by intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS. Vanessa et al. (2017) [5] noted that the logistics integration center (LIC) has become an attractive option to realize efficient intermodal transport. The mixed integer linear programming model is applied to the soybean flow in Brazil, which can be used to evaluate whether the transportation cost will be reduced if there are LICs. Zhao (2018) [6] noted that when deciding medicine logistics center location with financial results in mind, market size, growth and demand creation must be the primary considerations. Mousavi et al. (2019) [7] presented a new MCGDM model that applied the conc...

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