Search

This paper deals with the problem of optimising the network of a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) company, placing emphasis on the distinct characteristics of the 3PL environment. The goal is to minimise the warehousing and distribution costs for both forward and reverse product flows. A new Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) model is proposed to address this interesting problem. The related decisions include: selection of (a) warehouse(s) and the related product inventory quantities, (b) product unit loads transported, (c) truck combinations employed to perform the corresponding forward and reverse trips. The model was applied in a case study of a 3PL company to optimise part of its forward supply chain that comprises three warehouses, 23 suppliers and 53 customers. The results obtained were very encouraging, since overall warehousing and distribution costs were lowered by 10.8%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that additional savings may result from optimising warehousing capacities. The main contributions of this work are the inclusiveness of key aspects of the 3PL environment in the proposed model, as well as placing emphasis on warehousing costs and on management of truck capacities. A secondary contribution is the validation of the model's value through a comprehensive case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of logistics service providers (LSPs) in the Philippines, emphasising their impact on economic development and competitiveness. Utilising data collected from 126 respondents affiliated with the Philippines International Sea freight Forwarder Association and the Air cargo Forwarders of the Philippines Inc., the study identifies key performance indicators, including cost, time and reliability. The findings reveal that while LSPs in the Philippines maintain acceptable performance levels, significant challenges remain, particularly in domestic logistics. The study highlights that delays in customs processes and infrastructure inadequacies are major impediments to optimal logistics performance. Comparative analysis with other ASEAN countries shows that the Philippines lags in certain areas, particularly in delivery reliability and logistics infrastructure quality. The research also explores human resource issues, noting a high turnover rate and reliance on on-the-job training. Policy implications suggest the need for enhanced infrastructure, better regulatory frameworks and targeted human resource development to boost logistics performance. This study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and industry stakeholders aiming to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Philippines' logistics services. JEL Codes: F0, F2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study expects to explore the sustainable logistics management of foreign trade enterprises, help to further adapt to the development mode of economic globalization at this stage, reduce the international trade cost of enterprises and promote the overall trade development of enterprises. Logistics service providers of foreign trade enterprises are set as the research object to analyzes the problems existing in internal logistics management from the perspective of enterprise logistics. According to the relevant principles of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the corresponding solutions are proposed. Through the actual investigation and analysis, first, the main problems of modern logistics enterprises are underdeveloped logistics management technology, low degree of information, low work efficiency and high logistics risk. Second, the enterprise logistics management index is divided into five indicators, namely, enterprise service level, enterprise operation qualification, logistics management ability, risk control ability and transportation location advantage. Among the five indicators, service level accounts for the largest proportion, for 30.23%. Four different service providers are scored, and the highest score is 7.5717, which proves the practicability of AHP. Finally, the optimization management strategy is proposed for similar logistics enterprises. The accomplishment of the study can help enterprises reduce costs, continuously improve the level of logistics management, and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of enterprises, which has certain practical significance and can provide scientific and effective reference for subsequent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving global marketplace, the logistics sector faces a multitude of challenges that demand implementation of more resilient solutions to respond to any future disturbance. Synchromodal transport, which is viewed as an extension of multimodal transport, is known as a key answer to this issue, as it provides more flexible and sustainable freight transport and also focuses on collaboration between different logistics players. We consider synchromodal transport as a collection of agents that not only have their own characteristics and behaviors, but also interact with each other, which impacts the entire system. In this paper, we study the system using an Agent-Based Modeling approach. The network represents the combination of long-haul and drayage transport, where pre-haulage and end-haulage are done only by truck, and the rest can be done by trucks, trains, or barges. A numerical experiment is conducted to evaluate cost savings and emissions reduction under different logistics service providers' relation and re-routing scenarios. Our findings show that synchromodal scenarios are more economically and environmentally efficient, and that they lead to higher flexibility and reliability compared to business-as-usual scenarios. Additionally, our model verifies that the cost saving is considerable when logistics service providers collaborate with each other. The results of sensitivity analyses show consistent overall trends when comparing the different scenarios. Therefore, the conclusions drawn from the original experiment appear to be applicable, not only for that specific instance, but have broader relevance and applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses a vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery with time windows from multiple depots (MVRPSPDTW) over a time horizon in the B2C e-commerce logistics system. We consider an e-commerce logistics system with a multi-period, which consists of customers, logistics service providers (LSPs), suppliers, and a decision-making platform. A mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model is developed and tested on small- and large-scale instances. To handle more realistic large-scale problems, we have used two approaches (i) exact optimisation approach using (i.e. CPLEX tool) and metaheuristic algorithms (i.e. Differential Evolutionary Algorithm (DE), Parallel Differential Evolutionary Algorithm (Par-DE), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Block-based Genetic Algorithm (BBGA)) to minimise the total transportation cost and penalty due to the delay by logistics service providers. The computation experiment is conducted on the real practical scenario data and the comparative result is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balkan & Near Eastern Journal of Social Sciences (BNEJSS) is the property of Balkan & Near Eastern Journal of Social Sciences (BNEJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Collaborative solutions are increasingly being proposed to generate value in supply chains. Concurrently, firms have progressively outsourced logistics operations to logistics service providers (LSPs). However, many questions remain unsolved regarding the role played by LSPs in supporting supply chain collaboration (SCC) in triadic rather than dyadic contexts. This study aims to explore the relational mechanisms that LSPs can leverage to foster value creation through collaboration, elaborating on an existing theory about SCC by focussing on logistics triads. Design/methodology/approach: By leveraging the view of the network theory, a multiple case study approach was adopted. Seven cases having logistics triads as units of analysis were identified and analysed within the Italian grocery supply chain, allowing for empirical investigation with a middle-range approach to extend the previous theory. Findings: LSPs are pivotal actors that can actively promote SCC. LSPs can exploit large volumes and asset availability to increase efficiency while improving logistics flexibility and developing regular and trustworthy relationships with the other triad members. Building upon their logistics capabilities and the relational mechanisms in place, LSPs can help manufacturers collaborate with retailers by improving mutual trust and communication, acting as trust builders or trust conductors within the triad. Originality/value: The study explores the role of LSPs in logistics triads, extending the previous literature. It highlights that LSPs facilitate not only supply and demand integration but also relational integration between firms. Trust emerges as a fundamental building block for SCC, as LSPs can look beyond economic benefits to foster partnerships that empower the co-development of original collaborative solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relating to the accelerated development in the world of business, third-party logistics (3PL) providers have globally become a prevalent practice among many organizations, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to extant studies, the most common four logistics services usually provided through 3PLs (outsourced) are: delivery service, supplying, warehousing, and transportation services. With that being said, this paper presents an analysis of the SME outsourcing practice among a sample of Jordanian trading companies and the posited impact on the performance of their outsourcing efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of increasing supply chain disruption events, for example the China–United States trade war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia–Ukraine war, the complexity and dynamicity of global freight management keeps increasing. To build a resilient and sustainable supply chain, industrial practitioners are eager to systematically revamp the freight management decision process related to the selection of carriers, shipping lanes, and third-party logistics service providers. Therefore, this study aims at strengthening decision-making capabilities for global freight management, in which an industrial blockchain-based global freight decision framework (IB-GFDF) is proposed to incorporate consortium blockchain technology with the Bayesian best-worst method. Through the blockchain technology, pairwise comparisons can be conducted over the international freight network in a decentralized and immutable manner, and thus, a secure and commonly agreed-on pairwise comparison dataset is acquired. Subsequently, the pairwise comparison dataset with multi-stakeholder opinions is analyzed using the Bayesian best-worst method in order to prioritize the selection decision criteria related to carriers, shipping lanes, and 3PL service providers for global freight management. To verify the methodological feasibility, a case study of an Australian agricultural supply chain firm was conducted to support the development end-to-end (E2E) supply chain solutions originated from Australia. It was found that port infrastructure, ports of call and communication effectiveness were the major criteria for the selection decision, which can be emphasized in future global freight collaboration. In addition, an immutable and append-only record of pairwise comparisons can be established to support the visibility of time-varying stakeholders' preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied the willingness of global shippers to apply flexible transportation services. • We found that service flexibility is an emerging core component of logistics services. • We found that shippers prefer to use transport flexibility for addressing demand volatility. • We found internal volume flexibility of shippers drives their flexible transport choice. • Transport flexibility supplements supply chains' volume flexibility in volatile markets. Factors driving the choice of shipper firms for services of logistics service providers have long been recognized in the freight transportation literature. However, the willingness among shippers to choose flexible transportation services, where the service package can be adapted during planning and execution, has received less attention. In particular, little is known about the contextual circumstances under which shippers would be inclined to select such flexible transportation service. In this study, experimental scenarios and discrete choice modeling are used to investigate the willingness among shippers to use flexible transportation services. We estimate multinomial logit, mixed logit, and latent class models for a sample of nearly 200 global shipper firms and calculate willingness-to-pay measures for flexibility. The findings indicate that flexible services are essential in demand-volatile markets. Since logistics services may provide external flexibility for shipper firms, we also study which related internal flexibilities in supply chains drive these choices. In particular, our findings show that it is mainly the volume flexibility of shippers that mediates the choice of flexible transportation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tech-focused third-party logistics providers have developed solutions to streamline shipping and order fulfilment to meet sellers’ needs, often leveraging state-of-the-art information technology tools to do so. The logistics solutions that third party logistics services providers offer include receiving, storing, packing, and shipping services, including inventory management, kitting and assembly, postponement packaging, procurement and others. Digital technology has heavily revolutionized the logistics industry. The article highlights digital technology and third-party logistics service providers to understand how technology improves efficiency in the field of third-party logistics and supply chain industries. It includes GPS, Barcode, RFID, IoT, Cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain. The framework suggests that performance will be higher when digital technology is used in logistics with the strengths inherent in the firm’s logistics. The methodology adopted in this paper involves the review of published literature and discussing the opportunities for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the features and factors that influenced the process of accelerating the transformation of the transport and logistics services market in Ukraine. According to the results of the analysis of transport and logistics services market in Ukraine since independence, four stages of its formation have been identified. The first stage (early 1990s) was characterized by a low level of logistics services for transport and warehousing processes, ignoring the principles of logistics. In the second stage (second half of the 1990s) the processes of building a distribution system intensified; new partnerships were formed with all market actors; trading companies were developed and the system of warehousing, transportation and promotion of products was updated; powerful international logistics operators were appeared. The third stage (the first decade of the XXI century) was marked by the emergence of the first national logistics companies (2PL- and 3PL-providers), which provided services at the level of international requirements. The fourth stage (the second decade of the XXI century) is characterized by the development of 3PL and 4PL operational activities; transfer of logistics functions to outsourcing by commercial and industrial enterprises; changing the approach to working with clients. The results of the World Bank's assessment of the level of the logistics system efficiency in Ukraine in terms of individual indicators and their dynamics, as well as the results of expert research of the general state of transport infrastructure development by the European Business Association have been analyzed. Factors that restrict the development of the transport and logistics services market in Ukraine have been determined. In this regard, the authors have developed a model of integrated reduced assessment of transport and information infrastructure. Based on the study, the positive trends that are currently observed in the domestic market of transport and logistics services are identified and the components of its development in accordance with modern international requirements are substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to shed light on risk-mitigating tools and strategies that can be used in third-party logistics (3PL) companies to increase performance. Risk and risk management tools are identified and classified according to the managers' feedback and the theoretical background. The most important risks for the road transportation industry are analyzed, their implications are discussed, and mitigating strategies are offered. Methodology: The study used purposive sampling from international road freight forwarders that were members of the Association of International Forwarding and Logistics Service Providers (UTIKAD) or International Transporters' Association (UND). The data were collected by questionnaire method and analyzed with SPSS 22 and AMOS programs. Results: The results show that the road transportation industry has important risks that managers have not effectively managed. According to the results, the main problems in 3PL companies are lack of coordination, lack of visibility, and poor service quality. The results support that delivery risk directly affects transportation quality and process risks. Originality In this study, transportation-related risks are analyzed, showing their impact on a company's overall processes. Additionally, we examine whether the transportation quality creates a mediation effect or information sharing has a moderation effect on a company's process risks. Few studies exist on transportation risks and the role of mitigating strategies in reducing these risks, and this is also a limitation of our research from the risk perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logistics Improvements are dominated by Globalization, advancements, computer technology, and increased internet access in the twenty-first century. The state of the logistics industry is evolving. Without logistical planning, any manufacturing or a marketing operation will be difficult to complete. A Clearing & Forwarding Agent is a person who is engaged in providing any service, either directly or indirectly, that is associated with clearing and forwarding activities in any manner to another person. This study uses VIKOR Analysis to analyze the performance of ten clearing and forwarding logistics service providers over five-year period from 2014 to 2019 and award a Rank based on their scores. The results revealed that 5 Way Logistics proved to be the most dominant company among other alternatives over the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of FME Transactions is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)