Carbon emission efficiency of China's logistics industry: Measurement, evolution mechanism, and promotion countermeasures

Improving carbon emission efficiency of the logistics industry (LCEE) is important in achieving carbon neutrality. We examine the carbon emissions of 31 provinces and cities in China that aim to reduce emissions and increase efficiency in the logistics industry. We construct the evaluation index system of LCEE, using the Super-EBM-unexpected model to measure it. Moreover, the global Malmquist–Luenberger index and the spatial autocorrelation model are used to analyze its temporal and spatial evolution mechanisms and identify its influencing factors via the spatial Durbin model. The results show a very low average LCEE value and a decreasing gradient distribution in space for China. The average pure technical efficiency is the main driving force for improving LCEE. Environmental regulation and the residents' consumption level positively affect LCEE. However, economic level, industrial structure, government input, and energy intensity have a negative impact. Countermeasures and recommendations are proposed to improve LCEE and provide theoretical and methodological support for its research and management. The study provides implications for policymaking related to ecosystem protection and sustainable development in the logistics industry.