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Articles 121 - 150 of 234

Full-Text Articles in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Entry-Level Heavy Truck Drivers And Highway Safety: Is It Finally Time For Federally Mandated Training?, Harry L. Sink Apr 2007

Entry-Level Heavy Truck Drivers And Highway Safety: Is It Finally Time For Federally Mandated Training?, Harry L. Sink

Journal of Transportation Management

This article examines the need for mandated instruction and a uniform curriculum for entry-level commercial drivers. The study also addresses the discontinuity resulting from the establishment of a uniform licensing standard without requiring preparatory training. The research involves a review of Federal regulations pertaining to obligatory operator instruction in the air, water and rail mode. The investigation concludes that weak support and lobbying efforts by certain trucking interests have thwarted the adoption of mandatory instruction and/or a uniform curriculum. The study also highlights a pressing need for policy revision given the imminent retirement of many “baby boom” generation drivers.


A Decision Support Approach To Designing The Inland Logistics Network In China, Hokey Min, Hyun-Jeung Ko, Chin-Soo Lin Apr 2007

A Decision Support Approach To Designing The Inland Logistics Network In China, Hokey Min, Hyun-Jeung Ko, Chin-Soo Lin

Journal of Transportation Management

With the unprecedented growth of international trade, a growing number of multinational firms have coped with logistical challenges of shipping products to and from unfamiliar territories in many countries. These logistical challenges include the cross-border transportation of products originated from inland port to another inland port isolated from major waterways. In particular, the lack of access to major waterways would not only constrain the intermodal transportation option, but also make door-to-door, containerized delivery services nearly impossible. Such a limited option would eventually lead to increased transportation costs and transit time, and thereby offset low-cost global sourcing advantages. To aid multinational …


U.S. Firm Outsourcing/Offshoring Practices And Plans: An Update, Robert L. Cook, Brian J. Gibson Apr 2007

U.S. Firm Outsourcing/Offshoring Practices And Plans: An Update, Robert L. Cook, Brian J. Gibson

Journal of Transportation Management

A study of U.S. firm outsourcing and offshoring practices and future plans regarding supply chain activities provides an update for supply chain managers. Specifically, the reported information provides supply chain managers of manufacturing/ merchandising firms with a competitive benchmark; facilitates third party logistics manager strategic planning efforts and provides an input to U.S. transportation planners who determine future transport and infrastructure requirements. The study reports the responses of 151 Chief Purchasing Officers from U.S. firms. Firms are benefiting from outsourcing logistics and production activities and over one-third of the firms plan to increase outsourcing spend. In addition, 60 percent of …


Transportation Management Systems: An Exploration Of Progress And Future Prospects., Stanley E. Griffis, Thomas J. Goldsby Apr 2007

Transportation Management Systems: An Exploration Of Progress And Future Prospects., Stanley E. Griffis, Thomas J. Goldsby

Journal of Transportation Management

This research reports the experiences of both adopters and non-adopters of transportation management system (TMS) technology. TMS adopters represent a diverse array of companies, with a surprisingly high percentage of adopters using outsourced services for decision support activities. Motives for adoption tend to align with the firm’s strategic needs though functionality focuses on the shipper’s day-to-day operational needs. While expectations of system performance and return on investment vary greatly, TMS users illustrate a generally high level of satisfaction. Non-adopters view decision support for transportation activities as a low priority. The article explores future prospects for TMS development and adoption.


Suggested Research Agenda For The Railroad Industry, Barton Jennings Sep 2006

Suggested Research Agenda For The Railroad Industry, Barton Jennings

Journal of Transportation Management

The railroad industry is experiencing a worldwide resurgence. International trade is booming as populations continue to grow and transportation infrastructures are nearing capacity. In the United States, the industry is being pressured to provide more services, while at the same time traffic levels are skyrocketing on a network that is much smaller than it was just fifty years ago. Additionally, security and safety issues are challenging the industry, as well as the regulatory agencies associated with railroading. To help with these problems, the industry is calling for more academic involvement through new degree programs and research initiatives. This paper reviews …


First Annual Logistics Faculty Salary Survey, M Theodore Ferris, Terrance L. Pohlen, Jerry W. Wilson Sep 2006

First Annual Logistics Faculty Salary Survey, M Theodore Ferris, Terrance L. Pohlen, Jerry W. Wilson

Journal of Transportation Management

While the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) conducts an annual survey of business school faculty and administrative salaries, the data do not include salary figures for logistics (and related areas such as transportation and supply chain management) faculty. Since the growth in number of logistics faculty positions has continued to exceed the output of doctoral programs in the field for more than a decade, it is logical to assume that logistics faculty salaries, at all levels, are increasing. However, without factual data, what salary should a new logistics Ph.D. expect, and what should an administrator budget …


Smooth Sailing Or Rough Seas: The Future Of International Liner Shipping, David A. Menachof Sep 2006

Smooth Sailing Or Rough Seas: The Future Of International Liner Shipping, David A. Menachof

Journal of Transportation Management

The last 5 years have been exciting for the world of international liner shipping. Mergers, new and larger vessels, charter rates becoming more volatile and demand continuing to increase are just part of this world of liner shipping. This article is an attempt to highlight some of the issues that will be affecting international shipping in the forthcoming years. At its best, this article will be right on the money. At its worst, readers will look back at this article and wonder how the author could have been so wrong. More likely is that some things will occur as predicted, …


Establishing A Motor Carrier Research Agenda, Carlo D. Smith, John L. Kent Sep 2006

Establishing A Motor Carrier Research Agenda, Carlo D. Smith, John L. Kent

Journal of Transportation Management

The motor carrier industry represents an important linkage in a variety of industry supply chains and accounts for a substantial level of total logistics cost. This article combines a review of motor carrier research over the past 10 years (1996-2006), with input from executives representing common and specialty carrier services, to identify key areas of interest to guide future motor carrier research.


Evaluating The Comparative Efficiency Of Eleven States’ Highway Expenditures, Hokey Min, Thomas Lambert Sep 2006

Evaluating The Comparative Efficiency Of Eleven States’ Highway Expenditures, Hokey Min, Thomas Lambert

Journal of Transportation Management

In an era of budget deficits and financial cutbacks, the efficiency of state highway finances dictates future investment in road construction and maintenance. Considering the significant impact of highway infrastructure on the survival and competitiveness of the logistics industry, this paper aims to develop a meaningful set of benchmarks that will guide the state government authority in making wise investment decisions regarding road construction and maintenance. In particular, we propose a data envelopment analysis that is proven to be useful for measuring the operational efficiency of various profit or non-profit organizations. Using the examples of state highway finances for Kentucky …


Plant Supply Logistics: Balancing Delivery And Stockout Costs, Jennifer A. Pope, James A. Pope Apr 2006

Plant Supply Logistics: Balancing Delivery And Stockout Costs, Jennifer A. Pope, James A. Pope

Journal of Transportation Management

A manufacturer leases rail cars to transport raw material from the supplier to the factory. The manufacturer must balance the costs of leasing rail cars versus stockouts (leading to plant closings) and inventory carrying costs. Using a model of circular queues and a simulation, the cost implications of leasing different numbers of rail cars are analyzed. It is concluded that stockout costs exceed the cost of excess inventory and capacity in the logistics system.


What Do Third Party Logistics Buyers Really Want? An Empirical Analysis Utilizing Benefit Based Market Segmentation, Harry L. Sink Apr 2006

What Do Third Party Logistics Buyers Really Want? An Empirical Analysis Utilizing Benefit Based Market Segmentation, Harry L. Sink

Journal of Transportation Management

No abstract provided.


Pure Pallets: Effectiveness And Efficiency Impacts On The Defense Transportation System, Michael B. Mongold, Alan W. Johnson Apr 2006

Pure Pallets: Effectiveness And Efficiency Impacts On The Defense Transportation System, Michael B. Mongold, Alan W. Johnson

Journal of Transportation Management

The military supply chain must explore initiatives to improve its ability to meet warfighter needs. One initiative, developed during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq is the pure pallet process—by consolidating material early in the supply chain into user-specific pallets, these pallets are able to transit the defense transportation system without being broken down en route, theoretically arriving to the warfighter in less time than prior break-bulk methods required. The pure pallet initiative’s effectiveness and efficiency was assessed by measuring customer requisition wait time, cargo throughput, and revenue performance. It was found that effectiveness increased, without corresponding losses in efficiency.


Management Guidelines For Third-Party Logistics, Michael Maloni Apr 2006

Management Guidelines For Third-Party Logistics, Michael Maloni

Journal of Transportation Management

There is a significant amount of useful yet fragmented research in third-party logistics (3PL). This article seeks to review, summarize, and structure this 3PL research to provide a reference guide for managers interested in exploring, building, or improving logistics outsourcing opportunities. Topics covered include reasons to outsource, functions to outsource, 3PL provider evaluation, implementation and relationship success factors, contracts, and performance measures.


Working Toward A Seamless Supply Chain: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Impact Of Supply Chain On Company Performance, Carol J. Johnson, Lidiya Sokhnich, Charles Ng Apr 2006

Working Toward A Seamless Supply Chain: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Impact Of Supply Chain On Company Performance, Carol J. Johnson, Lidiya Sokhnich, Charles Ng

Journal of Transportation Management

This paper explores the role that several supply chain dimensions play in achieving overall firm performance. Measures suggested in prior studies were factor analyzed for convergent and discriminant validity and then used in a regression model. This study uses data from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) member firms, with top level supply chain managers as informants. The results suggest that of the three dimensions tested, two are significant contributors to firm profitability, including customer service and business process usage. Relationship confidence was not found to significantly impact overall firm performance.


Common Fare: An Example Of “Blanket” Rates In Hawai’I Waterborne Trade, Henry S. Marcus, H David Bess, Michael E. Valdez Sep 2005

Common Fare: An Example Of “Blanket” Rates In Hawai’I Waterborne Trade, Henry S. Marcus, H David Bess, Michael E. Valdez

Journal of Transportation Management

Blanket” rate structures apply uniform rates to a geographical region in spite of differences in the costs of carrying the goods. They are generally utilized by carriers to achieve some strategic objective, whether rate simplification, to be more competitive, or to meet some political objectives. While blanket rates are common in land transportation, the Hawai’i waterborne trade offers a unique example of this pricing mechanism. Further, given new and potential competitive factors in this trade, this is a unique case study for those interested in transportation pricing and the economic impacts of changes in the competitive struct ure in an …


Perceptual Differences Between Shippers And Motor Carriers Regarding The Importance Of Carrier Selection Criteria, Shane R. Premeaux, Lonnie Phelps Sep 2005

Perceptual Differences Between Shippers And Motor Carriers Regarding The Importance Of Carrier Selection Criteria, Shane R. Premeaux, Lonnie Phelps

Journal of Transportation Management

The primary focus of this study is the identification of significant differences in the assessment of the importance of 36 carrier selection variables by both carriers and shippers. This study is based on the original 1992 investigation. Currently, statistically significant differences resulted between shipper and carrier mean ratings for nine of the thirty-six selection criteria. In the original study, there were significant differences for nineteen of thirty-five selection variables. The rating and ranking discrepancies in this study indicate that shippers and carriers do not classify the importance of some selection variables similarly, but carrier understanding seems to be improving. Carriers …


Dispatching Continuous Moves, David Ronen Sep 2005

Dispatching Continuous Moves, David Ronen

Journal of Transportation Management

Continuous Moves (CM) is a term coined by the trucking industry. This paper defines CM’s, classifies them and discusses their economies. A unifying mathematical optimization model for dispatching orders is then presented. The model selects the best way to dispatch each and every order, whether as a part of a CM or not. However, the model does consider all the feasible types of CM’s. Practical aspects associated with implementing CM’s are also discussed.


The Global Supply Chain: Challenges And Solutions, Carol J. Johnson, Paul Nuzum Sep 2005

The Global Supply Chain: Challenges And Solutions, Carol J. Johnson, Paul Nuzum

Journal of Transportation Management

While there have been independent examinations of several of the changes that affect the supply chain, to date there has been little in the way of studies that holistically examine the changes facing front line supply chain managers today and the solutions they have implemented to address those changes. Supply chain executives have been interviewed in depth to better understand how manufacturing or distribution network changes, technology implementation, corporate re-structuring and/or increasing customer demands have been addressed in the field. An understanding of the challenges and successes faced by Global 1000 firms as they address these changes should help others …


Carrier Selection Criteria: Differences Among Truckload Motor Carrier Offerings, John L. Kent, Carlo D. Smith Sep 2005

Carrier Selection Criteria: Differences Among Truckload Motor Carrier Offerings, John L. Kent, Carlo D. Smith

Journal of Transportation Management

Effective customer service begins with an understanding of the service components customers’ view as most important to their operations and business success. Within the transportation industry research has investigated the importance of such criteria at an industry level. This article offers detailed rankings of service criteria priority from a shipper’s perspective by comparing criteria across five types of motor carrier offerings including dry van, temperature controlled, intermodal, tank, and flatbed. Results identify the ranked importance of 20 service characteristics, common themes, and distinct differences in the importance of service criteria among the alternative supplier offerings.


Financing America’S Roads: The Past Is Prologue, Michael J. Gravier, M Theodore Farris Ii Apr 2005

Financing America’S Roads: The Past Is Prologue, Michael J. Gravier, M Theodore Farris Ii

Journal of Transportation Management

This article provides a historical perspective of American roadway financing. It explores revenue collection and expenditures at the federal, state, and local governmental levels. Accounting practices of the Highway Trust Fund are discussed including the enactment of the Truth in Budgeting Act to shift revenue collection closer to a direct-user tax. Factors affecting roadway tax revenues are identified and the impact of increasing taxes is discussed. Four key considerations which will continue to shape roadway revenue collection are identified.


Regulatory Perspectives Of The Air Express Industry, Kian Chuan Chang, Mark Brian Debowski Apr 2005

Regulatory Perspectives Of The Air Express Industry, Kian Chuan Chang, Mark Brian Debowski

Journal of Transportation Management

In its early days, the international air express industry was synonymous with on-board couriers, carrying bags of documents on commercial flights. The industry has changed dramatically. That initial focus on documents has widened into the transport of packages and freight, carried by fleets of fully owned or dedicated aircraft, trucks, trains and delivery vans. The bulk of the business is dominated by 24-hour guaranteed and next-day deliveries. “Every day, hundreds of thousands of employees serve the distribution needs of an increasing number of businesses worldwide from one region to another” (European Express Association, 2002). The express companies are also making …


The Importance Of Logistics Capability In The E-Commerce Market, Jay Joong-Kun Cho, John Ozment Apr 2005

The Importance Of Logistics Capability In The E-Commerce Market, Jay Joong-Kun Cho, John Ozment

Journal of Transportation Management

This research is focused on the importance of logistics capability and its effect on firm performance in the e-commerce market. Technology-based net companies are known to have poor business network and infrastructure compared to resource-based traditional non-net based companies. A multiple-item logistics capability measurement scale is used to measure logistics capability of the firm. Firm performance is also measured by multiple items. The results indicate that logistics capability has a positive relationship with firm performance and this relationship is stronger for net based firms than for non-net based firms. Logistics capability is perceived as the firm’s critical capability in providing …


A Longitudinal Analysis Of The Journal Of Transportation Management: 1996 - 2004, Jerry W. Wilson, Cindy H. Randall Apr 2005

A Longitudinal Analysis Of The Journal Of Transportation Management: 1996 - 2004, Jerry W. Wilson, Cindy H. Randall

Journal of Transportation Management

The first issue of the Journal of Transportation Management (JTM) was published in the Fall of 1989. This new publication was to provide an outlet for research and writing of a practical nature, of direct benefit to logistics and transportation managers and their firms. Since that first issue, the Journal has weathered three sets of editorial staff that have collectively produced sixteen full or partial volumes. This article provides some of the history of the JTM and an analysis of some of the characteristics of its contributors during the tenure of its third and current editor, Jerry Wilson.


Using Active Learning To Enhance Supply Chain Knowledge, Joe B. Hanna, Brian J. Gibson, Randall Chapman Apr 2005

Using Active Learning To Enhance Supply Chain Knowledge, Joe B. Hanna, Brian J. Gibson, Randall Chapman

Journal of Transportation Management

The constantly evolving logistics discipline confronts practitioners with the challenge of keeping pace with the many advancements in the field. The authors examine ways in which logistics trainers may be able to improve their ability to effectively convey knowledge to logistics practitioners by supplementing the traditional lecture-based approaches with active learning exercises. The results of a recently conducted survey detailing current usage levels and approaches of active learning exercises, specifically simulations, by logistics educators is then presented. The paper also summarizes comments from individual simulation participants after they have completed a training experience designed to immerse them in a real …


A Comparison Of Implementation Issues And Strategies For Radio Frequency Identification Technologies Between The U.S. Military And Private Sector Organizations, Kristine M. O'Brien, Stephen M. Swartz Sep 2004

A Comparison Of Implementation Issues And Strategies For Radio Frequency Identification Technologies Between The U.S. Military And Private Sector Organizations, Kristine M. O'Brien, Stephen M. Swartz

Journal of Transportation Management

The purpose of this research was to study the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies used to track equipment and supplies. Current implementation issues and strategies for future use were collected from leading edge organizations from the military and private sector. A formal comparison found both similarities and differences between how industry and the Army are implementing and using RFID technologies in their supply chains and logistics networks. This article focuses on these similarities and differences, to include a gap between the Army and industry regarding RFID tag use and implementation, and a difference in the overall focus of …


The Profit Impact Of A Strategic Approach To Web Enhanced Services (Wes)—A Study Of The Motor Carrier Industry, Gregory M. Kellar, John Xiaoqun Zhang Sep 2004

The Profit Impact Of A Strategic Approach To Web Enhanced Services (Wes)—A Study Of The Motor Carrier Industry, Gregory M. Kellar, John Xiaoqun Zhang

Journal of Transportation Management

An increasing number of motor carriers offer web-enhanced services (WES) such as real-timetracking-and-tracing, on-line ordering, and conflict resolution. However, the burst of the Internet bubble raised questions as to whether investments in such Internet-related services increase corporate profitability (e.g., Nagarajan et al., 2000). This article studies financial and operational values that web-enhanced services add to publicly traded interstate trucking companies. Large companies offering WES were found to be more profitable than smaller companies in general, and they were more profitable than other large carriers not offering WES. Investments in WES appear to provide a strategic advantage specifically for large companies.


Meeting The Challenge Of Supply Chain Integration: Using Six Sigma For Process Improvement, Kathryn Dobie, Rhonda Hensley Sep 2004

Meeting The Challenge Of Supply Chain Integration: Using Six Sigma For Process Improvement, Kathryn Dobie, Rhonda Hensley

Journal of Transportation Management

Increased performance expectations, a more complex operating environment, rising costs, and declining operating margins have become every day challenges for carrier management. In order to meet these challenges, business-as-usual is not an adequate response. The time has come to take a new look at the way thing are being done and the results that are being achieved. One method of making such an examination, Six Sigma, has produced extraordinary results for many of the manufacturing and service companies, large and small, that have implemented it. The introduction of Six Sigma as a means of examining and improving carrier service delivery …


Technology Based Supply Chain Training: Its Use And Effectiveness, Brian J. Gibson, Jonathan D. Whitaker Sep 2004

Technology Based Supply Chain Training: Its Use And Effectiveness, Brian J. Gibson, Jonathan D. Whitaker

Journal of Transportation Management

Employee training is a huge business in the United States with spending in the neighborhood of $51 billion dollars. Over the last five years a growing proportion of training dollars have been committed to technology based training involving distance learning and e-learning. This article reports on the use of these innovative training methods in supply chain management and their impact on organizations in terms of cost effectiveness, time efficiency, skill development, and return on investment.


The Transportation And Warehousing Challenge For Multinational Corporations In China, Garland Chow, Charles Guowen Wang Sep 2004

The Transportation And Warehousing Challenge For Multinational Corporations In China, Garland Chow, Charles Guowen Wang

Journal of Transportation Management

Logistics is a major challenge for multinational corporations seeking to do business in China. Transportation and warehousing are two core activities of logistics which will have to be outsourced or produced internally by foreign firms entering the China market. This paper focuses on road and rail transportation, the primary forms of transport utilized to move finished goods, as well as the warehousing and distribution center service sector. Trucking services and costs are observed to be poor by Western standards. There is no established less-than-truckload (LTL) industry and there are limited trucking networks offering one stop shipping across the country. None …


Basing Rate Adjustments For Motor Carriers On Statistical Evidence, L Douglas Smith, James F. Campbell, Ray Mundy Apr 2004

Basing Rate Adjustments For Motor Carriers On Statistical Evidence, L Douglas Smith, James F. Campbell, Ray Mundy

Journal of Transportation Management

Pricing services of motor carriers is a dynamic process, with continuous pressure from customers to offer competitive rates and discounts. This can lead to a profusion of special arrangements with rates that poorly reflect the services rendered. This article shows how standard database systems and statistical models can be used to extract useful information from bills of lading to assist in the pricing of freight services. Summaries of business performance are produced according to terminal facility, shipping origin, shipping destination, individual shipping lane and individual customer. User-friendly statistical models are constructed to produce benchmarks for rates and revenues considering the …