Dynamic Analysis of Efficiency and Productivity in Global Logistics Firms : A DEA–Malmquist Approach

This study empirically analyzes the operational efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) of 136 major global logistics firms by applying an integrated approach combining Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist productivity index. The input variables include equity and total liabilities, while the output variables comprise revenue and operating profit. The DEA results reveal that most firms fall short of the efficiency frontier, with an average CCR efficiency score of 0.3184 and a BCC score of 0.4358. Scale efficiency was relatively high at 0.7849 on average, and some firms exhibited super-efficiency scores exceeding 2.0. Scatterplot and quadrant analyses using BCC and scale scores further illustrated significant heterogeneity in efficiency structures across firms. The Malmquist analysis indicates that from 2013 to 2022, TFP scores exceeded 1.0 in most years, confirming industry-wide productivity improvements. Notably, the productivity gains before the COVID-19 pandemic were primarily driven by internal efficiency enhancements (Catch-up effect), whereas post-pandemic improvements were more attributable to technological advancements (Frontier Shift). By integrating static and dynamic analytical frameworks, this study provides a multidimensional perspective on the performance structure of global logistics companies and offers valuable policy and strategic insights, particularly in response to structural changes before and after the COVID-19 crisis.