Assessment of key risk factors in the cold chain logistics operations of container carriers using best worst method

Abstract

Given that reefer containers are highly dependent on their temperature control function, container carriers must pay particular attention to the risks occurring during cold chain logistics. Assessment of cold chain safety risks can therefore reduce chance of accidents and concern for product damage. The goal of this study was to use the best worst method (BWM) to assess key risk factors in container carriers' cold chain logistics operations. After gathering relevant information from the literature and conducting expert interviews, this study preliminarily determined risk factors affecting container carriers' cold chain logistics operations, and obtained 15 risk factors in 3 risk assessment aspects. A BWM model was then developed and tested using empirical data from a questionnaire survey of experts. The results indicated that (1) the “shipper risk” aspect is the most important risk link for container carriers' cold chain logistics; (2) the 6 key risk factors with the greatest effect on container carriers' cold chain logistics are “excessively long container loading time,” “insufficient pre-cooling of goods,” “poor or improper product packaging,” “dockside or shipboard power supply system malfunction,” “improper cargo stacking,” and “human error affecting temperature settings.” As a reference for container carriers engaging in cold chain logistics, this study also suggests risk management strategies intended to enhance cold chain safety and performance.