Multi-criteria decision-making framework for ESG evaluation in the logistics industry

This study assesses the sustainability performance of leading global logistics businesses, evaluating them based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The study analyzes 10 Fortune 500 logistics businesses with current ESG data. The study employs objective methods, such as CRITIC and ENTROPY, to weigh the criteria, while MARCOS and TOPSIS are used to rank the businesses. This tests the sensitivity of ESG performance to different methodological approaches, thereby increasing the reliability of the results. The findings show that emissions and environmental innovation criteria receive the highest weightings, while the workforce gets the lowest. Furthermore, the businesses' rankings vary by method. In this case, some businesses demonstrate balanced and consistent performance across all metrics, while others excel only in specific areas. The study provides theoretical and practical insights into ESG performance in logistics, offering guidance for investors, businesses, policymakers, and researchers.