An Evaluation of Electronic Logistics Marketplaces within Supply Chains

Abstract

The growth in e-business over recent years, driven by developments in information and communication technology, has resulted in the increased use of electronic marketplaces (EMs) for business-to-business transactions. Potentially, EMs can have a significant influence over the way that transactions are carried out, relationships are formed, supply chains are structured and profit flows are operated (Kaplan and Sawhney 2000). While many aspects of supply chain management have been considered, there are only a few studies that investigate the development of these EMs in logistics (Grieger 2003). In this chapter, we focus upon these electronic logistics marketplaces (ELMs), which are electronic hubs that use web-based systems to link shippers and carriers together for the purpose of collaboration or trading. At a basic level, an ELM involves three main parties — the shipper of goods, the carrier and a technology provider. While any of these parties can lead the ELM development, it is usual for the leader to be the shipper.