Logistics networks need to handle globally\r\ngrowing transportation volumes in cost efficient and sustainable\r\nconfigurations. This research explores the impact\r\nof the oil price on the optimal degree of centralization of\r\nlogistics networks through the fluctuation of transportation\r\ncosts. The impact of the degree of centralization on\r\ngreenhouse gas emissions of transportation is evaluated.\r\nInvestigations are conducted by means of a model consisting\r\nof logistics network, logistics costs, carbon dioxide\r\nemissions and an empirically determined relationship of oil\r\nprice, fuel price and transportation costs. First, the dependency\r\nof transportation costs in European road transports\r\nfrom oil prices is derived. Then, the optimal configuration\r\nof the logistics network is determined for a range of oil\r\nprices. Sensitivity analysis on the value of traded goods is\r\nperformed. Results show an existing dependency of the\r\nEuropean logistics network structure limited to oil prices\r\nabove 150 USD/barrel. Dependency on the oil price\r\nincreases for high-value goods compared to low-valued\r\ngoods. Carbon dioxide emissions diminish with lower\r\ncentralization degree, as an effect of lower total transport\r\ndistance.
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