Research on hub-and-spoke logistics network construction: An empirical analysis from Zhejiang Province in China

Aiming to construct a hub-and-spoke logistics network for Zhejiang Province in China, a framework of hub-and-spoke logistics network construction was presented. In this framework, an evaluation index system was established according to the urban logistics development level, and based on principal component analysis, 33 cities in Zhejiang Province were classified, taking Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou as the hubs and the cities connecting with them by transportation network as spokes. Based on the hub-and-spoke logistics network covering and the effect analysis, a modified hub-and-spoke logistics network was proposed with Jinhua-Yiwu area as an additional hub, and other two proposals were suggested. This network construction framework provides a new and realistic method to improve the logistics development level in Zhejiang Province.