Introduction

Abstract

In our Spring 2013 issue of the Transportation Journal, we present a variety of transportation and logistics topics. In the United States, the motor carrier industry accounts for a large portion of transportation costs. In their research, Williams, Garver, and Taylor use a novel research method to present new knowledge about selection criteria applied to less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers by different segments of shippers who use LTL services. As nations and regions deal with trying to minimize socioeconomic impacts of transportation, they face dilemmas in allocating limited funds. Ludvigsen, Brechan, and Klæboe analyze the opinions of the European public regarding the European Union's decision to invest public funds in freight railways to achieve an improved balance of transportation environmental impacts. Despite reports to the contrary, international sourcing continues to be strong in current supply chain management. Mejza, Laosirihongthong, and Prajogo compare Japanese and American supplier relationships of automotive suppliers who do business in Thailand. As a multitude of factors have constrained ocean port expansion in many regions, inland ports have often been developed to complement the coastal port operations. Zeng, Maloni, Paul, and Yang present an overview of inland port development in China.In the Industry Notes Section, Harrison, Houm, Thomas, and Craighead propose a flexible optimization approach that balances the benefits of optimization in creating value and reducing cost with the increased risks that can result from the use of optimization. Their results provide both descriptive and prescriptive insights. Also along the lines of risk mitigation and transportation carrier selection criteria, Robinson, Thomas, and Mandrodt suggest transport service provider selection criteria that will aid in reducing risk in food supply chains. Also consistent with the risk theme, in his book review, Young reviewed Introduction to Transportation Security authored by Frances L. Edwards and Daniel C. Goodrich. Please also note that the index that is normally published in the Winter issue of the journal appears at the end of this issue.We continue to incorporate changes to our editorial structure. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Yoshinori Suzuki, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Jacobson Companies Fellow in Transportation and Logistics at Iowa State University, will assume the position of Methodology Advisor. While the Transportation Journal has not revised its policies on acceptable methodologies, as the disciplines of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management continue to evolve, we believe it is important we devote attention to refining the scope of acceptable methodologies.As the new editor of Industry Notes, my goal is to support the efforts of Evelyn and Tom in the mission and objectives of the Transportation Journal. To this end, Industry Notes will continue to feature articles with an emphasis on transportation, logistics, and supply chain topics that are managerially relevant and timely to the profession. One of the main goals for Industry Notes is to advance managerial practice through original research that utilizes a variety of methodological approaches. Advancing practice also suggests that this research include an examination of new areas and/or the study of traditional approaches in different perspectives. As a general guideline, a submission to the Industry Notes should be approximately 3,000 words.I look forward to working with you in facilitating the dissemination of your research through Industry Notes. Your contribution to this section of the Transportation Journal is critical in that it ensures that the gap between theory and practice is as small as possible.Mary Holcomb