International Freight Forwarders Research Articles

The Interaction Effect of Strategic Information Systems on Performance of International Freight Forwarders: An Analysis of Gaps in Performance

This study will verify the direct effect of strategic application of information systems (IS) on firm performance of international freight forwarders through ascertaining three research objectives: the analyses of a causal link between IS and firm performance, an interaction effect between internal and external IS on firm performance, and gaps in firm performance among the stages of strategic application of IS. The data was collected from international freight forwarders. To achieve the objectives of this study, various analytical methods were used. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are the basis of reliability and validity on the collected data. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM), moderated regression analysis (MRA), cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis are the basis of testing the hypotheses. The results are as follows. First, strategic application of IS has a positive effect on firm performance. This means that international freight forwarders improve performance through strategic application of IS. Second, there is the interaction effect between internal and external IS on financial performance. This means that strategic application of internal and external IS is connected with financial performance. For this reason, there is a gap between IS investment and financial performance in the industry. However, the interaction has no effect on customer satisfaction. The reason is explained as passing over organizational and cultural factors which have an effect on the relationship between firms. Third, there are gaps in firm performance among the stages of strategic application of IS. The result shows that the stage of supply chain IS achieve the highest firm performance. The results mean that strategic application of IS has a direct influence on firm performance.

SEVERAL INFLUENCES OF SYSTEM INFORMATION QUALITY TO USER SATISFACTION AND ITS IMPLICATION ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Research aimed to analyze several influences of system quality, information quality and perceived usefulness to user satisfaction on financial accounting software and its impact on individual performance. Sampling technique was using purposive sampling based on questionnaires distributed to users of financial accounting software who work at international freight forwarding. The number of samples was 200 respondents. The analytical method used was Structure Equation Models (SEM) with Lisrel 8.75 full version. The result of study showed that system quality and information quality have significant influenced the perceived usefulness. System quality, information quality, and perceived usefulness have significant influenced to user satisfaction. User satisfaction had significant influenced to individual performance. The highest influence from overall model was shown by the influence of system quality on perceived usefulness.

International Freight Forwarding Services Network in the Yangtze River Delta, 2005–2015: Patterns and Mechanisms

This study examined the spatio-temporal trajectories of the international freight forwarding service (IFFS) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and explored the driving mechanisms of the service. Based on a bipartite network projection from an IFFS firm-city data source, we mapped three IFFS networks in the YRD in 2005, 2010, and 2015. A range of statistical indicators were used to explore changes in the spatial patterns of the three networks. The underlying influence of marketization, globalization, decentralization, and integration was then explored. It was found that the connections between Shanghai and other nodal cities formed the backbones of these networks. The effects of a city’s administrative level and provincial administrative borders were generally obvious. We found several specific spatial patterns associated with IFFS. For example, the four non-administrative centers of Ningbo, Suzhou, Lianyungang, and Nantong were the most connected cities and played the role of gateway cities. Furthermore, remarkable regional equalities were found regarding a city’s IFFS network provision, with notable examples in the weakly connected areas of northern Jiangsu and southwestern Zhejiang. Finally, an analysis of the driving mechanisms demonstrated that IFFS network changes were highly sensitive to the influences of marketization and globalization, while regional integration played a lesser role in driving changes in IFFS networks.

Gaps in Performance between the Levels of Inter-corporate Relationships in Port Logistics Processes

The objective of this research is to verify gaps in firm performance between the levels of relationships between international freight forwarders and port logistics service providers. To achieve the objective, this research developed the conceptual and operational definitions of the variables through prior research and the questionnaire was sent to the forwarders. The collected data were analyzed by cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results are as follows. First, the high level of the inter-corporate collaboration is based on the high level of customer performance. In this regard, the forwarders have the need of operational collaboration with port logistics service providers and as a result, they achieve a high level of customer performance. Second, the high level of the inter-corporate commitment is connected to the high level of firm performance. The forwarders provide shippers with the quality of customer service through commitment with port logistics service providers and this is the cause of firm performance. Third, the high level of the inter-corporate communication is based on a gap in customer performance. The forwarders can achieve the needs of shippers through communication with port logistics service providers and this is connected with a high level of customer performance.

Оценка эффективности предоставления международных экспедиторских услуг

Оценка эффективности предоставления международных экспедиторских услуг

Factors that Affect the Buying Behaviour of the Shippers and Freight Forwarders when Choosing an Ocean Carrier in Sri Lanka

The shipping sector has become the backbone of international trade and globalization. Therefore, the freight transportation selection is of vital importance for the shippers and International Freight Forwarder (IFF). Accordingly, assessment of requirements and trends of freight forwarding while understanding key factors that rule its efficacious movement is a timely want to provide high quality service to societies. This study aims to determine the factors that affect both shippers and IFF’s when selecting an ocean carrier preference to the Sri Lanka. Primary data is collected through Questionnaires and 174 questionnaires have been collected. Descriptive analysis has been carried out to check the association between the response variables and explanatory variables. Due to the availability of collinearity between explanatory variables, factor analysis has been carried out. Hypothesis testing has been carried out for ordinal data using Kruskal Wallis test. The factors which affect the buying behaviour of the shippers and international freight forwarders when selecting an ocean carrier with orientation to Sri Lanka can be mainly categorized into facilities, accuracy, frequency and relationship, capacity, reliability and competence, general reputation, service capabilities. service capabilities are dependent on the organization type, Number of employees, Average volume per month and estimated average income per month. General Reputation is dependent on the organization type, Number of employees, Average volume per month and Frequency. Capacity is dependent on the organization type, Firm age and Average volume per month.

A Study on the Influence of International Freight Forwarders' Service Quality and Price Competitiveness on Customer Loyalty: the Case of South Korea

There are very few studies on the causal relationship of international freight forwarders’ service quality, dealing with service value together. The purpose of this study is to find out which of service quality and price competitiveness has a greater effect on customer loyalty, and how different effect service quality factors have on customer loyalty. The measures of various variables have been selected through literature review. Korean importing and exporting companies were requested for online and phone survey and 200 companies responded. The collected data has been analyzed using the AMOS 18.0. The key findings of this study are: (1) international freight forwarders’ service quality and price competitiveness influence on customer loyalty positively with service value and customer satisfaction as mediating variables; (2) the service quality influences on customer loyalty more than the price competitiveness does; and (3) the customer orientation as a service quality factor influences on customer loyalty more than the operation characteristics factor does. The implications of this study are: (1) international freight forwarders need to have more competitive advantage in service quality than in price competitiveness, especially in the customer orientation factor in order to obtain customer loyalty; and (2) they need to invest in their resources, especially in IT resources and human resources as a way to gain such competitive advantages.

A Study on the Application of ISO 9001: 2015 to the international freight forwarder in Korea

A Study on the Application of ISO 9001: 2015 to the international freight forwarder in Korea

The Impact of International Freight Forwarders Reliability, Services and Pricing, Information Management and Business Environment on the Internationalization of Plastics Industry Exporters

The Impact of International Freight Forwarders Reliability, Services and Pricing, Information Management and Business Environment on the Internationalization of Plastics Industry Exporters

A Study on Extraction of International Freight Forwarders' Service Quality Factors: the Case of South Korea

한국의 포워딩산업에서의 업체 간 경쟁은 현재 매우 치열하다. 그러나 포워딩산업의 서비스품질에 관한 연구가 한국과 전 세계적으로 아직 매우 적다. 본 연구는 포워딩산업의 특성을 반영한 포워더의 서비스품질 요인들을 도출하는 것을 연구의 목적으로 하였다. 서비스품질의 측정항목들을 선행연구와 면접조사를 통해 정리한 후, 한국의 수출입업자들을 대상으로 설문조사를 하였으며, 수집된 자료들에 대해 탐색적 요인분석을 실시하였다. 연구결과, 포워더의 서비스품질요인은 정확성, 신속·정시성, 안정성으로 정의되는 운영특성과, 전문성과 공감성으로 정의되는 고객지향성의 두 요인으로 도출되었다. 본 연구의 중요한 기여는 선행연구들과 달리 포워딩산업의 특성을 반영한 서비스품질요인을 제시하였다는 점이다. 향후의 연구과제는 두 요인 중 어느 것이 고객충성도에 더 많은 영향을 미치는 지를 분석하는 것이다.

The evaluation of port governance actions by port users perspective: a study in the Port of Santos, Brazil

This paper aims to analyse the perception of port users about the governance actions in the Port of Santos (Brazil). This is an important approach since most studies regarding port governance address governance structure and port functions, but do not consider the actions to be taken to improve the coordination of port logistics chain. The sample considered was composed by experienced managers of 30 International Freight Forwarders that operate in the referred port. In order to ensure the quality of the sample were selected only managers with higher education and at least five years' experience in the studied sector. Through a quantitative and descriptive approach, with data collection by means of a survey, the different governance actions related to four dimensions of a considered governance model were evaluated from the perspective of users. The results indicate that the Port of Santos develops governance actions incipiently in all dimensions, revealing that the management of the port still needs to evolve to achieve a higher level of coordination.

Relationship between a Port’s Reputation, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty

There are two objectives of this study: to analyze gaps in customer satisfaction and to test the customer loyalty gap on the basis of the reputation of Busan New Port. This study identifies the relationships between variables as well as the conceptual and operational definitions using prior research. Data was collected from 93 members of the International Freight Forwarders Association. The reliability and validity of the data was analyzed and the relationships between the variables were tested by analysis of covariance. The results are as follows: First, the reputation of Busan New Port means the abilities in which the port provides valuable benefits to international freight forwarders. The analytical results show that there is a gap in customer satisfaction between high- level and low- level reputation. Second, the levels of reputation are based on the gap in customer loyalty. This means that there are gaps in the friendly attitude of international freight forwarders and sustainable usage on the basis of the varying levels of port reputation.

Relationship between a Port’s Reputation, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty

There are two objectives of this study: to analyze gaps in customer satisfaction and to test the customer loyalty gap on the basis of the reputation of Busan New Port. This study identifies the relationships between variables as well as the conceptual and operational definitions using prior research. Data was collected from 93 members of the International Freight Forwarders Association. The reliability and validity of the data was analyzed and the relationships between the variables were tested by analysis of covariance. The results are as follows: First, the reputation of Busan New Port means the abilities in which the port provides valuable benefits to international freight forwarders. The analytical results show that there is a gap in customer satisfaction between high- level and low- level reputation. Second, the levels of reputation are based on the gap in customer loyalty. This means that there are gaps in the friendly attitude of international freight forwarders and sustainable usage on the basis of the varying levels of port reputation.

The Moderating Effect of Logistics Information Systems on Interorganizational Collaboration and Performance of Korean Shipping and Logistics Firms

The aim of this research is to verify the moderating effect of logistics information systems (LIS) on inter-organizational collaboration (IOC) and performance. To achieve this aim, this research s pulled out the definitions of the variables from prior research and looked at the relationships between them. The population is the Korean shipping and logistics firms in the Republic of Korea and a survey was carried out by members of liners and international freight forwarders. The questionnaires responded by members of the sample firms were used as data for the analysis of this research. The reliability and validity of the data were tested by a factor analysis and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In addition, the hypotheses of this research have been verified using a multiple regression analysis. The results are as follows. LIS is confirmed as a factor in enhancing the relationship between IOC and performance. The firms perform IOC by LIS in supply chains and as a result, they can achieve high performance. This is explained by fit as moderation by Venkatraman (1989). In addition, the relationship between IOC and performance is explained by a resource-based view as is and the relationship between LIS and performance is also explained by a resource-based view. Managers grasp customer needs and disseminate the needs to organizations using superior LIS, followed by high performance. Managers structure efficient supply chain processes through IOC between organizations and improve performance in the whole process through collaboration with the partners as well as departments. If managers want to achieve high performance through IOC, they should grasp their current level of LIS. This provides information; such, what strategic decision making could improve their performance? The results of this research prove the moderating effect of LIS on IOC and performance and if managers focus on the moderating effect, they can improve performance.

The Effects of Inter-corporate Relationships on Firm Performance of International Freight Forwarders

The Effects of Inter-corporate Relationships on Firm Performance of International Freight Forwarders

Impact of the Chinese VAT pilot on the international freight forwarding industry and the international shipping industry

Arguably the biggest change in China’s tax law in recent years is the reform of its turnover tax regime (‘VAT Pilot’), which will result in the merging of value-added tax (‘VAT’) and business tax (‘BT’) into a single VAT. With the advent of this VAT Pilot there are hot issues facing China, such as the integrity of the supply chain, the place of supply of services and financial leasing. Among these issues, VAT on services in the field of international freight forwarding and international shipping is worthy of close attention.In this article, the authors will share their insights into how the VAT Pilot impacts the international freight forwarding industry and the international shipping industry in China.

The Interactive Effect of Supply Chain Integration on Performance of International Freight Forwarders

There are two aims of this research: one is to prove the interactive effect of supply chain integration (SCI) on performance and the other is to ascertain gaps in performance among levels of SCI. The population of this research is international freight forwarders and the collected data is used in testing hypotheses through various analytical methods such as factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, cluster analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, post hoc analysis and regression analysis. First, the interaction between internal integration and external integration improves customer performance and financial performance. The forwarders improve internal processes following information acquired from customers and the information is shared with logistics service providers, followed by high performance. Second, gaps in performance among levels of SCI are verified. Managers of the forwarders make strategic decision making on the basis of their recognition of environment and, as a result, the forwarders enjoy different performance.

The effects of intra- and extra-organisational integration capabilities in the container shipping freight industry

This study empirically investigates the effects of intra- and extra-organisational integration capabilities on supply chain logistics integration, specifically in the context of container shipping freight forwarders and port logistics. Using survey data collected from the member directory of the Korea International Freight Forwarder Association and Korea Port Logistics Association, structural equation modelling was used to examine the effects of intra- and extra-organisational integration capabilities on supply chain logistics integration. Confirmatory factor analysis identified six main dimensions of intra- and extra-organisational integration: top management support, internal integration, information technology, commitment, sharing, and long-term relationship. The results also indicate that extra-organisational integration fully mediated the relationship between intra-organisational integration and supply chain logistics integration. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed regarding the findings for intra- and extra-organisational integration capabilities and intensity of supply chain logistics integration in the context of container shipping operations.

The Interactive Effect of Supply Chain Integration on Performance of International Freight Forwarders

There are two aims of this research: one is to prove the interactive effect of supply chain integration (SCI) on performance and the other is to ascertain gaps in performance among levels of SCI. The population of this research is international freight forwarders and the collected data is used in testing hypotheses through various analytical methods such as factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, cluster analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, post hoc analysis and regression analysis. First, the interaction between internal integration and external integration improves customer performance and financial performance. The forwarders improve internal processes following information acquired from customers and the information is shared with logistics service providers, followed by high performance. Second, gaps in performance among levels of SCI are verified. Managers of the forwarders make strategic decision making on the basis of their recognition of environment and, as a result, the forwarders enjoy different performance.

The Moderating Effects of Internal Orientation and Market Orientation on the Relationships between Commitment and Transportation Service: An Approach to International Freight Forwarders

The objectives of this research are to develop the variables which moderate the relationship between commitment and transportation services and to analyze the moderating effects of the variables. The conceptual and operational definitions of the variables were ascertained from prior research. The reliability and validity of collected data were tested by various methods and hypotheses are tested by a moderated regression analysis. The results are as follows. First, the moderating variables on the relationship between commitment and transportation services are identified as internal orientation and market orientation. The former has three sub-dimensions such as collaboration between departments, work standardization and process improving and the latter has three sub-dimensions such as intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination, and responsiveness. Second, work standardization is ascertained to enhance the relationship between commitment and trust. Third, process improving is verified as enhancing the relationship between commitment and trust. Fourth, work standardization is ascertained to enhance the relationship between commitment and flexibility. Fifth, intelligence generation is identified as enhancing the relationship between commitment and trust. Sixth, intelligence generation is verified as enhancing the relationship between commitment and flexibility. Therefore, forwarders can supply superior transportation services for customers when they achieve commitment and orientation such as work standardization, improvement of their service processes, and activities concerned with intelligence generation.