The Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Logistics Enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta

Abstract

With the deepening of economic globalization, the global freight volume has been constantly on the rise; and urban logistics space is gradually changing as well. Reorganization of urban logistics space is closely related to sustainable development. It has great influence on rational distribution of social resources, improvement of urban ecological environment, and balance of urban economic structure. This paper takes A-level logistics enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta as the object of study, aiming at revealing the spatial and temporal evolution of A-level logistics enterprises in Shanghai and Yangtze River Delta in 2005–2015 from the metropolitan and regional levels, respectively, and at providing reference for the rational planning of logistics space. The analysis result shows that the logistics sprawl occurs in various degrees in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta, and in the process of logistics enterprises moving from urban centers to the suburbs, the characteristics of logistics enterprises cluster keep emerging and gradually form a specific status. Then, we analyze the reasons underlying the formation of the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of logistics enterprises in light of relevant policies, geography and the sustainable development of economy, thus providing relevant suggestions for the government and logistics enterprises.