Symmetry/Asymmetry in Sustainable Transport and Logistics

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Mathematics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 3884

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Interests: large-scale optimization; decision making under uncertainty; data-driven decision making; green shipping management; smart transportation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Interests: maritime transportation; emission reduction; green shipping; multilevel optimization; government policy; liner shipping management; ship deployment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As global interest in sustainable development deepens, the fields of transport and logistics undergo critical transformations to meet new environmental standards and societal demands. This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring how the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry enhance our understanding and innovation within sustainable transport and logistics. We aim to delve into innovative mathematical and analytical methods that address new challenges in these fields, emphasizing the roles of symmetric and asymmetric models and their impact on system efficiencies and sustainability.

We welcome researchers and industry practitioners to contribute to this Special Issue with original research papers and review articles that will enrich our comprehension of the complex interplays between transportation, logistics, and sustainable practices. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Symmetry/asymmetry;
  • Sustainable transportation;
  • Green logistics;
  • Mathematical optimization;
  • Eco-friendly routing;
  • Sustainable supply chain;
  • Renewable energy in transport;
  • Advanced analytics;
  • Machine learning in logistics;
  • Network design and resilience.

Dr. Yiwei Wu
Dr. Jingwen Qi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • symmetry/asymmetry
  • sustainable transportation
  • green logistics
  • mathematical optimization
  • eco-friendly routing
  • sustainable supply chain
  • renewable energy in transport
  • advanced analytics
  • machine learning in logistics
  • network design and resilience

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 3166 KB  
Article
Decarbonizing China’s Express Freight Market Using High-Speed Rail Services and Carbon Taxes: A Bi-Level Optimization Approach
by Lin Li
Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081364 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 517
Abstract
This study explores the potential for reducing CO2 emissions in China’s express freight sector by promoting a modal shift from air and road transport to high-speed rail (HSR) through the implementation of a carbon tax policy. A bi-level optimization model is employed [...] Read more.
This study explores the potential for reducing CO2 emissions in China’s express freight sector by promoting a modal shift from air and road transport to high-speed rail (HSR) through the implementation of a carbon tax policy. A bi-level optimization model is employed to analyze the decision-making processes of three key stakeholders: the government, HSR operators, and shippers. The government aims to maximize consumer surplus while reducing CO2 emissions through a carbon tax policy; HSR operators seek to maximize transportation profit; and shippers select the most efficient transportation mode based on cost and service considerations. A solution algorithm combining particle swarm optimization, the CPLEX solver, and a custom convergence procedure is designed to solve the bi-level programming model and determine the optimal carbon tax rate. The findings from the Beijing–Shanghai corridor case study indicate that a well-designed carbon tax policy, when integrated with robust HSR services, can effectively encourage a modal shift towards HSR. The extent of emission reduction is influenced by both the capacity of HSR infrastructure and the stringency of the carbon tax policy. This research highlights the importance of addressing asymmetries in transportation mode preferences and market demands. The integration of carbon tax policies with HSR services not only mitigates emissions but also promotes greater symmetry and efficiency within the transportation network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry/Asymmetry in Sustainable Transport and Logistics)
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25 pages, 1217 KB  
Article
Advanced Analytical Methods for Risk Mitigation in Multimodal Freight Transport
by Kwanjira Kaewfak, Chanathip Pharino and Nipa Ouppara
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101394 - 19 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2564
Abstract
Stakeholders in multimodal freight transport encounter significant challenges due to the multitude of unknowns and inherent risks that can adversely affect operations. The subjective nature of the information complicates the identification and assessment of these risks, making them particularly challenging in the context [...] Read more.
Stakeholders in multimodal freight transport encounter significant challenges due to the multitude of unknowns and inherent risks that can adversely affect operations. The subjective nature of the information complicates the identification and assessment of these risks, making them particularly challenging in the context of multimodal transport, where the potential consequences can be substantial. This research intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of the asymmetries in risks associated with multimodal freight transport by identifying and evaluating quantitative hazards. By integrating fuzzy set theory and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), the study offers a structured approach to statistically forecast risks, addressing imprecision in traditional risk assessments. Qualitative interviews conducted with multimodal freight transport operators in Thailand reveal critical insights, including the identification of high-priority risks such as delays from regulatory compliance, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficiencies in stakeholder communication. The findings of this study not only highlight these pressing issues but also provide actionable strategies to mitigate risks, thereby enhancing the operational resilience of multimodal freight transport systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry/Asymmetry in Sustainable Transport and Logistics)
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