The Role and Position of Logistics Hubs in Improving the Supply Chain and the Necessity of Their Development in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehrab Qods 1
Abdolreza Shekholeslami 2
Pourya Rahbar 3
Melika Eshraghi 1
1 M.Sc., Student, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
3 M.Sc., Grad., School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/road.2025.515145.2384
Abstract
With the intensification of global trade and the increasing complexity of supply chains, logistics centers have emerged as critical nodes in enhancing the efficiency, integration, and sustainability of freight transportation systems. By consolidating logistics operations—such as storage, transshipment, customs clearance, and value-added services—within a defined geographic area and leveraging multimodal transport networks, these centers facilitate cost reduction, improve operational productivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability through reduced emissions and optimized vehicle movements. Recognized in transport and logistics literature as strategic infrastructure, logistics centers play a pivotal role in strengthening trade connectivity and supporting national and regional economic development. Despite their importance, there is no universally standardized definition in scholarly discourse; various terms such as freight villages, logistics hubs, and distribution centers are used interchangeably, reflecting differences in function and regional context. This study seeks to clarify conceptual definitions, categorize types of logistics centers, and evaluate Iran’s current logistics landscape in comparison with global best practices. The findings reveal that, despite possessing considerable geostrategic and infrastructural potential, Iran continues to face structural and institutional challenges that hinder the full realization of an integrated logistics network. Addressing these challenges requires strategic policymaking, investment in modern logistics infrastructure, and adoption of smart technologies aligned with international standards.
Keywords
Supply Chain
Logistics Performance Index
Logistics
Logistics Hub
- اعظم جلالی پیکانی و همکاران (1402). ارزیابی اثرات تشکیل مرکز لجستیک در استان اصفهان بر اقتصاد منطقه­ای مبتنی بر مدل تعادل عمومی قابل محاسبه دو منطقه­ای.
-  اعظم جلائی پیکانی­، نعمت الله اکبری­، بابک صفاری، (1403). تحلیل امکان سنجی تشکیل مرکز لجستیک در اصفهان. نشریه علمی ( فصلنامه ) پژوهش­ها و سیاست­های اقتصادی­، شماره بهار، 66-57.
- بهزاد عباسپور (1395). پایان نامه ارشد­: طراحی دهکده باری براساس معیار­های کاربری زمین نمونه موردی : دهکده باری شهر آفتاب.
- زهرا رحیمی­، حبیب الله جوانمرد­، امیر عزیزی­، اسماعیل نجفی (1400). شناسایی فرآیند و اجزای لجستیک و تعییم روابط بین آنها جهت استقرار مراکز لجستیک (­مطالعه مرکز لجستیک اراک).
- سیدناصرسعیدی، حسم جعفری، سیاوش خدابخشی­، سیدکاظم موسوی جرف (1391). بررسی راهکارهای توسعه مراکز لجستیکی در بنادر کشور­، چهاردهمین همایش صنایع دریایی.
- سند آمایش لجستیک کشور (1397). معاونت حمل­ونقل وزارت راه و شهرسازی، دفتر طرح جامع و مدل­های حمل­ونقل.
- فرشاد سعیدی­، ابراهیم تیموری، مکان یابی هاب­های لجستیکی در شبکه حمل و نقل جاده­ای کشور (1397). دومین کنفرانس بین ­المللی دستاورد­های نوین پژوهشی در علوم مدیریت­، حسابداری و مهندسی صنایع.
- مرکز پژوهش مجلس (1396). بررسی ضرورت ایجاد هاب و مراکز لجستیکی در ایران.
- مهرداد نجفی­، شعف ملک پور­، امیرحسین مظفری­، مبینا بردیان (1395). تحلیل وضعیت لجستیک کشور امارات متحده عربی و جایگاه آن به لحاظ شاخص LP.
-­Barbier, C., C. Cuny, and N. Raimbault (2019). The production of logistics places in France and Germany: a comparison between Paris, Frankfurt-am-Main and Kassel. Work Organisation, Labour & Globalisation, 13(1): 30-46.
-­Battal, T., (2020). Understanding the logistics centre location decision: what are the main decision criteria and evaluation methods? International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 8(2): 154-192.
- Chen, K. H., C. N. Liao, and L. C. Wu, (2014). A selection model to logistic centers based on TOPSIS and MCGP methods: the case of airline industry. Journal of Applied Mathematics, (1): 470128.
-­Higgins, C.D., M. Ferguson, and P.S. Kanaroglou, (2012). Varieties of logistics centers: Developing standardized typology and hierarchy. Transportation Research Record, 2288(1): 9-18.
-­Higgins, C. and M. Ferguson, (2011). An exploration of the freight village concept and its applicability to Ontario. McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics.
-­Koç, S., et al., (2024). Evaluation of Potential Logistics Village Alternatives Using Bayesian Best-Worst Method. Optimality, 1(1): 100-120.
- Komchornrit, K., (2021). Location selection of logistics center: A case study of greater mekong subregion economic corridors in Northeastern Thailand. ABAC Journal, 41(2): 137-155.
-­Liu, X., X. Guo, and X. Zhao (2012). Study on Logistics Center Site Selection of Jilin Province. J. Softw., 7(8): 1799-1806.
- Li, Y., X. Liu, and Y. Chen, (2011). Selection of logistics center location using Axiomatic Fuzzy Set and TOPSIS methodology in logistics management. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(6): 7901-7908.
-­Mirčetić, D., S. Nikoličić, and M. Maslarić. (2014). Logistic centers: Literature review and papers classification. in The Fifth International Conference Transport and Logistics.
-­Notteboom, T. and J.-P. Rodrigue, (2009). Inland terminals within North American and European supply chains. Transport and communications bulletin for Asia and the Pacific. 78(1): 1-39.
- Tomić, V., D. Marinković, and D. Marković, (2014). The selection of logistic centers location using multi-criteria comparison: case study of the Balkan Peninsula. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 11(10): 97-113.
-Yavas, V. and Y.D. Ozkan-Ozen, (2020). Logistics centers in the new industrial era: A proposed framework for logistics center 4.0. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 135: 101864.
-­Yıldırım, B.F. and E. Önder, Evaluating (2014). potential freight villages in Istanbul using multi criteria decision making techniques. Journal of Logistics Management, 2014. 3(1): 1-10.
- Żak, J. and S. Węgliński, (2014). The selection of the logistics center location based on MCDM/A methodology. Transportation Research Procedia, 3: 555-564.