Futuristic sustainable logistics center seamlessly integrated with nature.

Sustainable Logistics: How to Choose the Right Location for Multimodal Transport

Reese Marlowe in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets to efficient and environmentally friendly logistics by selecting the ideal location for multimodal centers."

In today's globalized economy, logistics centers play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods across vast distances. As businesses strive to optimize their supply chains and minimize environmental impact, the selection of locations for these centers becomes increasingly crucial. Traditional methods often fall short in addressing the complexities of sustainable logistics, necessitating innovative approaches.

The rise of multimodal transport—integrating various modes like road, rail, and waterways—offers a promising avenue for enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. However, realizing the full potential of multimodal systems requires careful consideration of location-specific factors that influence operational effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

This article explores how a cutting-edge hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, known as DEMATEL-MAIRCA, is revolutionizing the way we approach location selection for multimodal logistics centers. By combining the strengths of two distinct methodologies, this innovative model empowers decision-makers to navigate the intricate landscape of sustainable logistics and identify optimal locations that strike a harmonious balance between economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social considerations.

Decoding the DEMATEL-MAIRCA Model: A Step-by-Step Guide

Futuristic sustainable logistics center seamlessly integrated with nature.

The DEMATEL-MAIRCA model represents a significant advancement in decision-making for sustainable logistics, offering a structured and comprehensive approach to location selection. This hybrid model integrates two powerful methodologies:

DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory): This method is used to determine the interrelationships between different criteria. It helps to visualize and understand how each criterion influences others, providing a clear picture of the system's structure. DEMATEL is particularly useful for dealing with complex systems where criteria are interdependent.

Identify Criteria: Determine the factors relevant to location selection (e.g., connectivity, environmental impact).
Expert Opinions: Gather input from experts to assess the influence of each criterion on others.
Develop Relationships: Create a relationship matrix to visualize the influence between criteria.
Calculate Weights: Determine the weight coefficients to quantify the importance of each criterion.

MAIRCA (Multi-Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis): MAIRCA is a novel MCDM method that compares alternatives against both ideal and real ratings. It helps identify the alternative that is closest to the ideal and furthest from the worst-case scenario. MAIRCA is based on comparing the theoretical and empirical ratings of alternatives, and defining the gap (distance) between the empirical and ideal alternative.

The Future of Sustainable Logistics

As businesses and governments worldwide recognize the urgent need for sustainable practices, the DEMATEL-MAIRCA model provides a valuable tool for optimizing logistics operations and minimizing environmental impact. By embracing innovative decision-making frameworks, we can pave the way for a future where supply chains are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of location selection for multimodal logistics centers in today's global economy?

In today's global economy, location selection for multimodal logistics centers is critical for optimizing supply chains and minimizing environmental impact. The integration of various modes like road, rail, and waterways enhances efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. The DEMATEL-MAIRCA model revolutionizes location selection by balancing economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social considerations. Traditional methods often fall short in addressing the complexities of sustainable logistics, necessitating innovative approaches like the DEMATEL-MAIRCA model.

Can you explain how the DEMATEL method contributes to the decision-making process for sustainable logistics?

The DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method identifies the interrelationships between different criteria relevant to location selection, such as connectivity and environmental impact. It gathers expert opinions to assess the influence of each criterion on others, helping visualize the system's structure through a relationship matrix. This method calculates weight coefficients to quantify the importance of each criterion, providing a clear picture of how each factor influences the others. DEMATEL is particularly useful for dealing with complex systems where criteria are interdependent.

What role does the MAIRCA method play in the selection of sustainable locations for multimodal logistics centers?

MAIRCA (Multi-Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis) compares alternatives against both ideal and real ratings to identify the location closest to the ideal and furthest from the worst-case scenario. It compares the theoretical and empirical ratings of alternatives, defining the gap between the empirical and ideal alternative. MAIRCA helps decision-makers find optimal locations by evaluating alternatives based on multiple attributes and comparing them to both ideal and real-world scenarios, ensuring a balanced and informed decision.

How does the hybrid DEMATEL-MAIRCA model revolutionize location selection for multimodal logistics centers?

The hybrid DEMATEL-MAIRCA model integrates the strengths of two distinct methodologies to provide a structured and comprehensive approach to location selection. DEMATEL determines the interrelationships between different criteria, while MAIRCA compares alternatives against ideal and real ratings. This combination empowers decision-makers to navigate the intricate landscape of sustainable logistics and identify optimal locations that balance economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social considerations. The model enhances decision-making by providing a clear picture of the system's structure and a method for comparing alternatives against both ideal and real ratings.

What implications does the DEMATEL-MAIRCA model have for the future of sustainable logistics and supply chain management?

As businesses and governments worldwide recognize the need for sustainable practices, the DEMATEL-MAIRCA model provides a valuable tool for optimizing logistics operations and minimizing environmental impact. By embracing innovative decision-making frameworks, supply chains can become more efficient and environmentally responsible. This model supports the integration of economic, environmental, and social factors in decision-making, paving the way for a future where logistics operations are sustainable and contribute to a greener global economy. The DEMATEL-MAIRCA model sets a standard for sustainable logistics by integrating decision making frameworks.