Evaluating the Carbon Emissions Efficiency of the Logistics Industry Based on a Super-SBM Model and the Malmquist Index from a Strong Transportation Strategy Perspective in China

Carbon emissions from the logistics industry have been rising year after year. Correct handling of the relationship between economic development and environmental protection is of great significance to the implementation of green logistics, which is an important component of China’s strategy for strong transportation. This paper focuses on the evaluation of the carbon emissions efficiency of logistics industry from a new strong transportation strategy perspective. A super-efficiency slack-based measurement (Super-SBM) model and Malmquist index are combined to evaluate the static and dynamic carbon emissions efficiency of the logistics industry. The results indicate that compared with the SBM model, the Super-SBM model can more effectively measure the carbon emissions efficiency of the logistics industry. Pilot regions for the strong transportation strategy were divided into two categories, namely regions with slow carbon emission growth rates but high efficiency, and regions with high carbon emission growth rates but low efficiency. Some policy recommendations from the strong transportation strategy perspective were proposed to improve the carbon emissions efficiency of the logistics industry, especially for the second category of pilot regions. This study is expected to provide a basis for decision-making for efficient emissions reduction measures and policies, and to encourage the pilot regions to take the lead in achieving the goal of China’s strategy for transportation.