Richard R. Young

Global Supply Chains

Explores the attitude of shippers and service providers towards outsourcing of logistics functions performed within large multinational, manufacturing companies engaged in global trade and presents a model describing the factors which influence the outsourcing decisions. Indicates that five key factors influence the outsourcing decision: centrality of the logistics functions to the firm′s core competency; risk liability and control; cost/service tradeoffs in operations; information and communications systems; and market relationships. Discusses several drivers, involving product, process and network complexities, which govern these factors.

Extending landed cost models to improve offshore sourcing decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the components required for more robust landed cost models given the now widespread interest in sourcing finished goods, components for assembly, and basic raw materials from global sources. This study also seeks to establish the need for broad‐based participation in operationalizing such models.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews are conducted with several major firms that import a range of merchandise into the USA to develop in‐depth case studies. A taxonomy of variables found in increasingly comprehensive forms of landed cost models is developed from the case studies. These variables are assembled into modules and analyzed with the use of an expert panel consisting of executives responsible for import activities at major firms.Findings – Most major firms are relatively unsophisticated in their approach to making offshore sourcing decisions. Few employ models that are sufficiently detailed and some do not even embrace the basic logistical elements ...

The role of benchmarking in the performance of the import process

Any firm participating in external (or inter‐firm) benchmarking anticipates at least two benefits: useful statistics on how it performs relative to the other participating firms; and guidance in identifying promising performance improvement actions. Using data from a five‐year benchmarking program for firms engaged in import operations, this research illustrates how these benefits might be assured. A major recommendation of the research is that, along with formal analysis of quantitative data, the structure of ongoing inter‐firm benchmarking programs must facilitate the firms’ receipt of information that enhances the realization of these benefits. This is likely to improve such programs along the dimensions of data gathering efficiency, data quality, and hence the usefulness of benchmarking to participating firms.

Commercially Available Software for Integrated Logistics Management

The importance and utilization of information systems in the achievement of integrated service response and supply chain logistics has been shown by several recent studies. Practitioners need to have an understanding of the existance and capability of commercially available software options for integrated logistics management. For educators it is imperative that knowledge about the functioning of current software is taught in a manner that gives students an appreciation of the available techniques and software, along with the realization of the difficulty of implementation. This article provides practitioners and educators with an empirical assessment of the available logistics software as it applies to integrated hierarchical planning.

Increased Weight Limits and Transloading: The Impact of Higher Truck Weight Limits on the Inland Movement of Ocean Containers in the US

Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inland movement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inland lanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and shipment size, and eight transport options. Shows that transloading from ocean containers to either domestic containers or dry vans becomes economically more attractive if truck weight limits are increased in accordance with a proposed bridge weight formula. Gross savings to shippers from transloading range from 5 to 44 per cent depending on the lane and commodity type involved.

NAFTA's impact on the North American agriculture—a logistician's perspective

NAFTA is improving the field of agriculture in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is not doing so by enacting measures intended to improve the agricultural sector directly. Rather, the improvement is the indirect result of agricultures dependence on transportation, telecommunications, intellectual property rights, and investment capital - all of which have been substantially improved by NAFTA. Improvement of these four areas has improved agriculture and will continue to improve it in the future.