The analysis to lead-time difference of exporting containers between Hong Kong and Yantian port

Abstract

The container delivery lead-time for the international logistics differs widely between Hong Kong and Yantian port, which is analyzed in this paper. As for container transportation, problems such as factory inventory barely exist, although the issue of "time storage" (safety time) does matter in the process. The staying time of containers varies from port to port, and is much longer than the transportation time which in that case could be omitted in the whole delivery time. Unfortunately extraordinary delay is always ignored by the port logistics researchers both inside and outside China. Furthermore, we consider that the following factors will greatly affect the lead-time estimation of the whole process. These include the time uncertainty in some middle phases, the difficulties in postponing deadlines, the cost of the compensating measures taken, and the enterprise tolerance capability due to delivery damage. We studied the difference starting from the data of the two ports and explored some underlying causes for the delays. The preliminary analysis showed that the differences between the regulations of the study groups, regulations regarding customs supervision, and the port management styles and practices between the two areas were main causes of the time difference.