Comparative Study on Transportation Costs and Environmental Impacts of Construction Materials in International Trade
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Abstract
With the increasing Sino-Thai trade, the transportation of construction materials has become a key focus in international logistics, given its high costs and environmental impacts. This study examines the transportation costs and environmental impacts of construction materials in global trade through a qualitative comparative analysis. It analyzes transportation data and policy contexts between China and Thailand. The findings show significant differences in cost structures and environmental burdens across various transportation modes, highlighting the trade-offs between economic efficiency and ecological sustainability. The study also identifies emerging trends in green logistics and offers strategic recommendations for optimizing transportation planning and promoting low-carbon logistics practices. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and literature reviews, to construct a three-dimensional green transport decision-making model. This model integrates cost, environmental impact, and policy factors influencing transportation mode choices. The results indicate that ocean shipping is the most cost-efficient but slowest, while road transport is the fastest but most expensive and environmentally harmful. Rail transport offers a balanced solution in terms of cost and speed, and multimodal solutions achieve a moderate cost with acceptable delivery times. Fuel price volatility and emission regulations have a significant impact on total costs, while green logistics practices contribute to reduced carbon footprints and receive incentives under green trade agreements. Future research could expand the dataset to enhance the robustness of the conclusions and explore the role of digital tools in optimizing green logistics. This study offers valuable insights for logistics companies and policymakers seeking to strike a balance between cost efficiency and environmental sustainability in international trade.
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