Logistics Service Providers Research Articles

Determinant Factors of Logistics Firm Performance Mediated by Optilog Adoption Using a Mixed Method with an Explanatory Sequential Analysis

Recently, trucking logistics service providers are focusing on adopting technology and Information Technology (IT) capability to improve performance. Hence, it is essential to investigate how the IT capability of the firm can enhance logistics performance and impact technology adoption on performance. Therefore, the research examines the determinant factors of logistics firm performance mediated by Optilog adoption. The research design is a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Quantitative data analysis uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), while qualitative analysis adopts in-depth interviews. The analysis population includes 41 Optilog users in the logistics firm in East Jakarta, with the experts adopting a census sampling method. For qualitative phase, the researchers also recruit four respondents holding supervisory positions or higher using Optilog for daily operations. The results show that logistics firm performance is influenced by service excellence and Optilog adoption. Additionally, perceived risk, traceability, and IT capability positively affect Optilog adoption, which mediates the effects on logistics firm performance. The results confirm the rejection of the hypothesis that Optilog adoption mediates IT capability on logistics firm performance. The thematic analysis further concludes that the system, implemented in March 2022, does not impact logistics firm performance significantly, according to the respondents. Consequently, IT departments depend on responsiveness to address users’ needs and issues since when the vendor develops the system, it faces significant constraints due to the development and maintenance costs.

Towards sustainable urban logistics: Exploring the implementation of city hubs through system dynamics

The urban logistics system causes negative externalities, such as pollution, noise and congestion. This study focuses on city hubs as a concept to reduce these externalities by improving consolidation and adopting zero-emission vehicles. Our research employs system dynamics as a method to uncover the dynamics and mechanisms related to the barriers and potentials of city hub implementation in Stockholm from the perspectives of the Logistic Service Providers (LSPs), the receivers and the public sector. Moreover, a mixed method approach is used for data collection, allowing us to extract the knowledge from the real implementation case, co-create a qualitative model as a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) with the stakeholders involved in the system, and generalise the model. The mixed method approach includes a group model-building workshop, literature review, existing city hub analysis and stakeholder interviews. The main result is a CLD, visualising the dynamics of the introduction of city hubs. The CLD explores three potential incentives and policies: (i) the receivers change address; (ii) shippers oblige LSPs to use the hubs; (iii) the public sector gives monetary incentives to LSPs. The CLD presented in this paper establishes a validated system structure for the urban logistic system and facilitates the policymakers’ understanding of the barriers to implementing city hubs and what policies could help their implementation.

Selection of third-party logistics in supply chain finance under probabilistic complex hesitant fuzzy sets and distance measures

Financial institutions attach great importance to the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems of selecting an effective third-party logistics (3PL) service provider in supply chain finance. A suitable 3PL service provider can not only assist financial institutions in carrying out supply chain finance activity but can also replace financial institutions in supervising the operation of a target financing supply chain, therefore minimizing financial institutions' operating risks. However, there is no sufficient study on the selection of a 3PL service provider. Hence, the objective of this paper is to establish an innovative concept of the “probabilistic complex hesitant fuzzy set” (PCHFS), which is a hybrid structure of the complex hesitant fuzzy set and the probabilistic fuzzy set to manage complex information in real-decision theory. This paper examines the periodicity of probabilistic fuzzy information and extends the range from [0,1] to the unit disc in the complex plane to provide more ability to describe the full meaning of the information in a mathematical model. Based on the internal structure of the set and to find the degree of discrimination between the pairs of PCHFSs, the generalized distance measures and modified generalized distance measures are defined. Several properties and their relationships between them are derived in detail. Also, several cases of the proposed measures are exposed, which reduces them to the existing studies. Furthermore, based on these proposed measures, a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) approach is established in an uncertain environment, and several numerical examples are given to examine the feasibility and validity of the explored measures. Finally, the modified and parameterized distance measures based on PCHFSs are verified by comparing them with some existing measures.

Criteria for selecting third-party logistics service providers: Systematic Literature Review

Third-party logistics (3PL) is a strategic business partner for companies in carrying out company business activities that are outsourced or cannot be handled themselves. Mistakes in choosing a 3PL can have negative impacts on the company such as financial losses, reducing service quality, reducing customer trust, reducing the company's image, and so on. This article aims to classify third-party logistics based on current issue trends, the methods used in selecting criteria, and what criteria they produce. Using Systematic Literature Review, researchers reviewed, classified, and analyzed 56 relevant articles published in the 2020-2023 period from the Scopus database. The results of this review reveal that 3PL providers can be classified based on issue trends and company goals in selecting them, namely Traditional 3PL, Sustainable 3PL, Sustainable-resilient 3PL, Green 3PL, Gresilient 3PL, Traditional Third-Party Reverse Logistics, and Sustainable Third-Party Reverse Logistics. The priority criteria in selecting a 3PL provider are closely related to the 3PL classification, the industrial sector and business activity being outsourced, the country where the company operates, and the dimensions or attributes used in developing the criteria.

Implications of changing the base raw material – the case of license plate manufacturing

ABSTRACT License plates to uniquely identify vehicles mainly use aluminum as the base material. Currently, there is no distinction of different use cases of license plates, such as short-time usage for test drive and transportation purposes that do not need such long-lasting materials not only from cost but also from sustainability perspectives. This paper presents a methodology to select the best material for different use cases under the holistic consideration of specifically defined criteria as to material properties, sustainability aspects, and supply chain implications. We show that there are several candidate materials for different use cases that stick out by changing the importance of these numerous criteria. In addition, the paper delves deeper into the sustainability aspect by means of a comprehensive System Dynamics model. We show that a scenario in which the company picks up used license plates by relying on a logistics service provider to get them delivered to an external recycling service provider yields the best results.

Establishing buyer-supplier self-organization through LSP brokered learning and information technologies: The effects on relational performance in logistic service triads

Logistics service providers (LSPs) can have a profound impact on other companies operating in supply chains. To investigate the role of LSP, we propose and develop the concept of brokered LSP learning (i.e., supply chain learning run by the LSP) as exploitation and exploration practices imposed by the single actor to run organizational learning among supply chain actors. The research examines how supply chain learning run by the LSP affects self-organization of the buyer-supplier dyad and triadic relational performance. Our results provide insight into whether LSP-brokered learning alone is sufficient to improve triadic relational performance. The study shows that LSP-brokered learning, supported by decentralized technologies, has a positive effect on buyer-supplier self-organization. As a resulting effect, the study also operationalizes triadic relational performance composed of the joint impact of relational performances produced by three dyads in the logistics service triads, which can be improved by buyer-supplier self-organization.

A PURPOSE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO EXAMINE THE CORRELATON OF LOGISTICS SERVICE QUALITY, LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE & COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THAILAND

The logistics service offers a crucial role in the process of developing into the worldwide market. Several nations must enhance their logistics service operations to achieve strong performance and attain a competitive edge in the market. Logistics service quality is a crucial element in Thailand's logistics operations. It is a major feature in developing a new conceptual model for logistics service performance, which is essential for achieving competitiveness in the logistics sector. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the framework of logistics service quality, logistics performance and competitive advantage of logistics service provider (LSPs) firms in Thailand. This study utilizes primary data and applies a quantitative methodology, involving the collecting and analysis of research data using a strategy that emphasizes quantification. The sample will be LSPs companies in Thailand. The future data in this study will be analyzed using the statistical software packages SPSS and Smart PLS. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is a statistical method employed for data analysis, with the primary goal of enhancing the research model. Thus, the study presents a conceptual framework that suggests that enhancing service quality can improve the logistics performance and competitive advantage of the logistics service provider business in Thailand.

The Effect of Service Quality, Cargo Handling Rates, and Infrastructure Facilities on Customer Satisfaction in Aircraft Cargo Expedition Services Pt Angkasa Pura Logistik Yogyakarta

The demand for logistics services is currently high, evidenced by increased imports to Indonesia from 2022 to 2023. Logistics service providers, such as PT Angkasa Pura Logistik Yogyakarta, must consistently maintain customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study examines how service quality, pricing, and infrastructure influence customer satisfaction at PT Angkasa Pura Logistik Yogyakarta. This research investigates the impact of service quality, cargo handling tariffs, and infrastructure on customer satisfaction with air freight services provided by PT Angkasa Pura Logistik Yogyakarta. This study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing accidental sampling. The sample size consists of 80 respondents. Data analysis is conducted through multiple linear regression analysis (SPSS software version 26). The results indicate that service quality, cargo handling tariffs, and infrastructure positively and significantly impact customer satisfaction, both partially and simultaneously. The most significant variable influencing customer satisfaction is service quality.

Cloud technologies in transport logistics

Recently, manufacturers and suppliers of logistics services have been increasingly using cloud technologies in order to reduce their costs and optimize business operations. In clouds there is an opportunity to create a single platform for cargo owners and contractors. The article discusses tracking (tracking the movement of cargo along the route), which helps the company to calculate the exact time of arrival of the vehicle at the point of delivery. With this data, it is possible to plan cargo deliveries. In addition, by means of the cloud, the problem of identifying potholes in roads is solved. Tracking helps to evaluate the quality of the carrier.

Enhancing Supply Chain Safety and Security: A Novel AI-Assisted Supplier Selection Method

The "Make or Buy” decision and the supplier selection are critical steps for the efficient operation of companies' supply chains. Safety and security are paramount considerations, especially in industries like logistics, where supply chains are vulnerable to external threats and disruptions. In this scientific article, we present a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted supplier selection method that significantly enhances the safety and security of suppliers. During our research project, we have created an expert system and a corresponding knowledge base with the relevant rules to support supply chain decision-makers in selecting logistics service providers for warehousing services. The foundation of the AI-assisted supplier selection method is advanced data analytics and the application of expert systems, enabling companies to evaluate potential suppliers in detail from a safety and security perspective. The applied expert systems can identify potential risks and make predictions about supplier performance in the future. In the turbulent environment of the global supply chain, selecting long-term partners like warehousing services providers is critical for the success of the organization. A wrong supplier selection can hardly be reversed in warehousing services, as the cost of change is usually high. The article demonstrates the practical application of the expert system-assisted supplier selection method in a real-world supply chain environment and thoroughly analyzes the achieved results and advantages. The results show that the expert system-assisted method not only increases supplier safety and security but also contributes to improving the efficiency and sustainability of the supply chain. This article provides valuable guidance and solutions for companies looking to enhance their supplier selection using expert system technologies, thereby increasing the safety and security of their supply chains.

Logistics input complexity and comparative advantage in manufacturing: based on the perspective of global value chains

ABSTRACT Logistics is an essential service for manufacturing because it supports the coordination and integration of global production activities, ultimately reducing costs and improving efficiency. However, it is not clear that the complex structural relationship between logistics and manufacturing under the Global Value chains (GVCs). Consequently, employing the input-output model, we develop the logistics input complexity (LIC) to capture the complex structural characteristics of logistics services embodied in manufacturing sectors and investigate its role in manufacturing comparative advantage. We find that the logistics input complexity can boost manufacturing competitiveness. Furthermore, we also confirm that the domestic and foreign groups of LIC have at least a partially complementary effect on the export competitiveness of manufacturing. Finally, we identify heterogeneity in the domestic and foreign groups’ five subdivision logistics modes of LIC. It suggests that logistics service providers must precisely match the related manufacturing production chains to cultivate a comparative advantage in manufacturing.

Innovators and Transformers Revisiting the gap between academia and practice: insights from the green logistics phenomenon

PurposeLogistics and supply chain management (L&SCM) scholars and practitioners have devoted extensive efforts to advancing green logistics practices (GLPs), yet the intersection between the two domains in relation to the topic remains underexplored. To accelerate GLPs’ development amid the escalating climate crisis, this research examines this intersection by comparing the responsiveness of academia and practice to the call for green logistics over time.Design/methodology/approachTo compare between academia and practice, we combined a systematic literature review on the development of GLPs in L&SCM journals (N = 122) with a content analysis of annual and sustainability reports published by the four major global logistics service providers (LSPs: DHL, DB Schenker, UPS and FedEx; N = 156) over the past three decades.FindingsThis research reveals that all the GLPs covered in the L&SCM literature have already been applied and reported by practitioners, both consistently and over a significant period of time. Academic progress, in turn, is delayed by slow-paced empirical methods, elevated research quality standards, prolonged funding and recruitment processes, and extended peer-review intervals. Further, a tendency toward reactive knowledge creation rather than proactive knowledge transfer is evident, obscuring the role of L&SCM scholars in steering the industry’s green advancement.Practical implicationsRecommendations are offered to L&SCM authors, editors, reviewers and university departments to advance pracademic endeavors in green logistics research and increase its responsiveness to global events.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to scrutinize the intersection between academia and practice on the evolution of GLPs. The revealed gaps prompted us to suggest a transformative paradigm for academia-practice collaborations targeting the L&SCM discipline at large, combining a bold proactive research stream aimed at knowledge transfer with a more traditional reactive stream aimed at knowledge creation.

Towards Green Transportation Practices Using a Buyer/Supplier Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The role of individual supply chain actors in carbon emissions reduction (CER) is well-documented. However, it is critical to identify the conditions required to develop a systemic approach for encouraging these actors to share their visions and align their environmental strategy for CER. This study aims to identify the determinants (motivations, pressures, and incentives) and modalities (practices conducting greening transportation from shippers and logistics service providers (LSP) point of view) necessary for a better environmental alignment between actors for a CER initiative. Methods: We base our argument on a systemic literature review that points out 28 articles written in the period between 2010 and 2023 and fully aligned with the scope of our analysis. Results: The originality of our approach is that we focus on the interplay between shippers and LSPs to better understand the dynamics of green transportation practices. Conclusions: This paper invites researchers to adopt a dyadic approach to the phenomenon in order to better understand how the CER willingness is effectively diffused in the business interactions of shippers and LSP.

Lean and Agile Supply Strategies in Distribution Centres to Deliver Value-Added Services (VAS)

Background: This paper examines how logistics mangers increase performance by incorporating VAS in their distribution centres in the context of different natures of customer demand. The study is underpinned by the principles of lean and agile strategies as two key concepts that can be applied to respond to different customer expectations. Methods: Based on the phenomenological interpretivist paradigm, an empirical multiple-case study was conducted in German distribution centres operated by six companies. The empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, built on the triangulation of sources. Open, axial, and selective coding were employed to analyse data collected through eighteen in-depth interviews with managers from the distribution centres. Results: The findings indicated that the construct of customer demand forms different benefits that the logistics service providers can achieve through VAS. Simultaneously, various customer demands on VAS requires the distribution centres to focus on developing different operational capabilities to gain superior performance. Conclusions: Based on the research findings, a conceptual model was created. This model can support logistics service providers in improving company performance through effectively managing VAS in their distribution centres. The high dynamic VAS customer demand can bring more financial and non-financial benefits but needs higher flexibility in the warehouse operation system. Stable and predictable VAS, in turn, require a higher degree of standardisation.

COHERENCE OF CLEARING AGENTS AND HAULAGE SERVICES - A WAY FORWARD IN ENHANCING EFFICIENCY

Customs clearance of cargo plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade by ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating the movement of goods across borders. This abstract provides an overview of the customs clearance process, focusing on its significance, key stages, challenges, and emerging trends. It highlights the importance of efficient customs clearance procedures in reducing delays, minimizing costs, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. The study also discusses the impact of digitalization and technological advancements on customs clearance, emphasizing the adoption of electronic systems and riskbased approaches to streamline processes and enhance trade facilitation. Furthermore, it underscores the need for collaboration between stakeholders, including customs authorities, importers, exporters, and logistics service providers, to address challenges and ways to improve the overall effectiveness of customs clearance operations. Overall, this study shed light on the critical role of customs clearance in facilitating global trade and underscores the importance ofcontinuous improvement and innovation in this domain.

Pengembangan Website Kamus Logistik Untuk Meningkatkan Efisiensi, Kualitas dan Komunikasi di Dalam Industri Logistik

In the current digital era, efficiency, quality and communication are the main keys to the logistics sector. This review discusses the development of a logistics dictionary website as a solution to improve these three aspects. The Logistics Dictionary website is designed to facilitate the exchange of information between various parties in the logistics industry, including shippers, recipients and logistics service providers. By integrating various data and information related to logistics, this website aims to increase operational efficiency, improve service quality and improve communication between stakeholders. The development of this website involved analyzing user needs and preferences, as well as developing an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface. Apart from that, this website is also equipped with features such as fast search, filters to help users easily search for and choose logistics services that suit their needs. This journal shows that developing a logistics dictionary website can have a significant positive impact on the logistics sector, by increasing operational efficiency, improving service quality and improving communication between parties. The results of this research provide valuable insight into how information technology can be used to improve efficiency and quality in the logistics sector.

A systematic literature review of logistics services outsourcing

Logistics is critical in every company's supply chain (SC), and outsourcing helps businesses concentrate on their core competencies. Third-party logistics (3 PL) or logistics service providers (LSPs) assist businesses in cutting costs while improving performance, sustainability, and revenue. Logistics evaluation and LSPs choice are complicated and critical components of value delivery. This study aims to review logistics outsourcing literature to understand the trends, prospects, factors, and strategies used in logistics companies' outsourcing choices. This work examines the literature on LSPs selection published between 2010 and 2023. This paper uses VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) to visualize the relationships. Pricing, timely shipment, service quality, reliability, agility, technology, and consumer feedback are the most commonly utilized, whereas societal and environmental factors are seldom used. The study comprises journal publications, the year, selection criteria, and assessment methodologies. Numerous scholars have discovered and employed many critical selection criteria. Many investigators have also embraced multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies, and their fuzzy form is widely used. In conclusion, recommendations for theorists and managers, limits, and future directions for research are offered.

Analyzing Factors Influencing the Development of Railway Freight Transportation Service through the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Technique

The main objective of this study is to apply the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) technique to assess factors influencing the development of railway freight transportation services. These factors include four critical performance indicators within the supply chain: responsiveness, cost, reliability, and agility. Moreover, the study aims to develop guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of railway freight transportation in Chiang Rai province, particularly through the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong railway route. Data were collected from 9 experts, including logistics service providers, users, and academics then, pairwise comparisons of factors were conducted. The results revealed that the cost factor holds the highest significance at 33.86%, followed by reliability, responsiveness, and agility factors at 28.51%, 26.14%, and 11.49%, respectively. Consistent with satisfaction scores obtained from logistics service users, the cost factor holds the highest satisfaction score at 4.78, followed by reliability, responsiveness, and agility factors with scores of 4.41, 4.16, and 4.01, respectively. The result above will bring towards preparation in railway freight transportation of Chiang Rai province and encouraging entrepreneurs to shift to railway transportation mode in the end.

Impact of B2C E-Commerce to the General Performance of Selected Logistics Service Providers in Metro Manila

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has significantly impacted the logistics sector, prompting the researchers to explore its influence on society. Managing e-commerce platforms presents unique challenges due to the diverse inventory products involved, underscoring the importance of understanding how B2C E-commerce affects logistics companies' overall performance. This study, conducted within a logistics company in Metro Manila, aimed to assess the impact of B2C E-commerce on logistics service providers (LSPs) and identify common issues, as well as understand its effects on respondents' general performance. Utilizing 30 employees from selected LSPs as respondents, a 28-item questionnaire was used to elicit the impact of B2C E-commerce to LSPs. Simple weighted mean was used as a tool in analyzing the data. Findings suggest that respondents generally agreed on the positive impact of B2C E-commerce across various aspects of logistics operations. In terms of warehousing, respondents agreed (WM=3.63) that B2C E-commerce had a positive impact on warehousing practices, reflecting an encouraging experience. Concerning inventory management, respondents moderately agreed (WM=3.35) on the general performance of LSPs in utilizing B2C E-commerce, indicating a somewhat positive perception. Regarding order processing, respondents agreed (WM=3.46) on the beneficial impact of B2C E-commerce, indicating a favorable view of its performance. Similarly, respondents agreed (WM=3.57) on the valuable contribution of B2C E-commerce to information systems within logistics operations, highlighting its importance. In terms of packaging, majority of respondents agreed (WM=3.58) on the essential role of B2C E-commerce in packaging practices, emphasizing its significance in the overall process. Overall, the findings suggest that LSPs have generally performed well in utilizing B2C E-commerce across various aspects of logistics operations. However, there are still areas to be looked at, such as reverse logistics and inventory management, where improvements could be made to further enhance LSPs performance.

Examining Public Sector Availability and Supply Chain Management Practices for Malaria Commodities: Findings From Northern Nigeria.

Nigeria accounts for substantial proportions of global malaria infections and deaths, with children aged younger than 5 years being the most affected group. This suggests that access to lifesaving malaria interventions could be suboptimal, especially at public health facilities where most rural dwellers seek health care. We conducted this study to ascertain if public health facilities have the commodities and the robust supply chain management (SCM) system required to deliver malaria interventions to children younger than 5 years. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 1,858 health facilities across 7 states in Nigeria. Using structured questionnaires, we assessed the availability of selected malaria commodities required by children aged younger than 5 years. We also interviewed health workers to evaluate other core SCM activities. More than 50% of health facilities in 5 states were stocked out of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), and stock-out rates for artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were over 50% for almost all assessed ACTs across all states. The percentage of health facilities that received malaria commodities within the recommended lead time was below average across most states (71%). States with a higher percentage of health workers who were aware of and placed orders following the national reporting timeline and those that delivered commodities to the last mile predominantly through third-party logistics service providers tended to have higher availability of mRDTs and artemether/lumefantrine combinations. The top 2 logistics challenges were insecurity and inadequate funding. The availability of lifesaving malaria commodities across the health facilities visited was suboptimal, possibly due to several SCM challenges. The results from this study underscore the urgent need to implement effective interventions to address the observed gaps. This will contribute to reducing malaria morbidity and mortality among children aged younger than 5 years in Nigeria.