Transportation mechanism of spatial distribution of express outlets: taking prefecture-level and above cities in China as an example

Based on data of 607,511 express delivery outlets obtained through the data crawling function of the Amap platform, this study constructs an evaluation model for transportation superiority from three dimensions: transportation network density, transportation hub influence, and location advantage. A coupling coordination model is employed to analyze the spatial coordination relationship between the spatial distribution of express delivery outlets and transportation superiority. Furthermore, a geographical detector analysis is applied to reveal the influence mechanisms and intrinsic relationships between various transportation factors and the spatial layout of express delivery outlets. The findings indicate that: (1) The number of express delivery outlets in China is vast, with extensive coverage but an unbalanced spatial distribution, showing a distinct pattern of being “denser in the east and sparser in the west.” (2) The spatial distribution of transportation superiority varies significantly, exhibiting a “core-semi-periphery” structure that diminishes outward from Central and East China. (3) There is a significant positive correlation between the spatial distribution of express delivery outlets and transportation superiority, generally characterized by a coupling coordination relationship, albeit predominantly a weak one. (4) The transportation mechanisms underlying the spatial layout of express delivery outlets manifest distinct features across regions corresponding to the three levels of coupling coordination, weak coupling coordination, and non-coupling coordination, namely: “hierarchical progression and mutual support,” “limited synergy with local conflicts,” and “negative interaction and coordination imbalance,” respectively.