Research on the Evaluation of Logistics Efficiency in Chinese Coastal Ports Based on the Four-Stage DEA Model

In the context of economic globalization, coastal port logistics has gradually become a focus of economic development, and the proper management of coastal port logistics performance is the main way to realize the high-efficiency operation of coastal ports, drives the direct economic development of the hinterland, and enhances import and export trade market competitiveness. Accordingly, this study was aimed to measure port logistics efficiency and explore its path of improvement for China’s coastal ports during the 2014–2018 period with a four-stage DEA model, including a Tobit model. The results of this study show that most of the coastal ports in China have emphasized their size more than their planning. During the study period, improving road network construction and the economic level in hinterland port cities was conducive to improving port logistics efficiency, but tertiary industry investment and foreign trade levels were negatively correlated with coastal port logistics efficiency.