Systematic transformation of urban cold chain networks: From cross-regional dependencies to sustainable local excellence.

ABSTRACT: Urban agglomerations in developing regions face cascading inefficiencies in cold chain logistics, driven by structural dependencies on cross-regional distribution that generate excessive costs, carbon emissions, and quality deterioration. This study develops and empirically validates a systematic transformation framework that utilizes hierarchical optimization to reconfigure these inefficient networks into integrated, sustainable local systems. Our approach coordinates strategic facility location with operational vehicle routing, enabling emergent, system-level improvements that transcend conventional optimization. Empirical validation using 35 supermarket stores in the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos-Ulanqab (HBOU) urban agglomeration demonstrates substantial, concurrent outcomes under practical cond

SUBMITTER: Wang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646484 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature