Commodity-Specific Weighting of Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Components: A Goal-Programming Best–Worst Method (GPBWM) Assessment and Re-ranking of Countries

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Abdolreza sheykholeslami 1
Shahin Hassani 2
Ali Navardi 2
Mehdi Pishro 2
1 civil engineering industry and science university of iran
2 Transportation Group, Civil Engineering Faculty, Iran University of Science and Technology
10.22034/road.2026.549536.2434
Abstract
Logistics is recognized as a network of services facilitating the movement of goods and supporting domestic and cross-border trade. The Logistics Performance Index (LPI), introduced by the World Bank in 2007, ranks countries biennially based on their logistics performance. The index comprises six components, which have traditionally been considered equally important. Efficient logistics is a key driver of economic growth and global market access, whereas inefficiencies increase trade costs and hinder market access. This study aims to examine the impact of cargo type on the weighting of LPI components. Cargo was classified into four categories: dry bulk, temperature-sensitive, hazardous, and general cargo. Using an expert-based questionnaire and the Goal Programming Best-Worst Method (GPBWM), weights for each component were determined for each cargo category. The results indicate that infrastructure is the most critical component for dry bulk and hazardous cargo, logistics service adequacy and quality is most significant for temperature-sensitive cargo, and international shipment carries the highest importance for general cargo. Applying these weights resulted in notable changes to the LPI rankings of countries. These findings provide policymakers with guidance to focus on key components according to the type of export and import cargo, thereby facilitating targeted improvements in logistics performance.
Keywords
Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
Component Weighting
Goal-Programming Best–Worst Method (GPBWM)
Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)
Country Ranking