Sara Rogerson

Influence of context on the purchasing process for freight transport services

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for analysing the contextual influence on the configuration of purchasing processes for freight transport services. A conceptual model suggests that three contextual dimensions, purchase task, importance, and service type, influence the different stages of the purchasing process. Data from seven case companies are used to explore the links between contextual factors and how the purchasing of freight transport is performed. Eight different types of context, and their implications for the configuration of the purchasing process, are presented. The framework offers guidance on the configuration of the purchasing process in specific contexts, highlighting, for example, that the level of detail of the specification stage can depend on the type of context.

Shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor: managing imbalances between required and available capacity

ABSTRACT Improving load factor is relevant for shippers due to its potential in reducing both transport costs and emissions. The purpose is to structure shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor according to required and available capacity. A framework is developed from literature, and in-depth understanding is provided by three cases, with data mainly collected through semi-structured interviews. Shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor are structured per decreasing, increasing, or reallocating required or available capacity. Required capacity can be changed by adjusting number of items, item characteristics, and how items are combined. Available capacity can be changed by adjusting number and type of units. Changes that improved load factor are described in detail for each case. Load factor is calculated for the packaging and shipping levels. An approach that logistics managers can apply to identify opportunities relevant to their situations is presented. Findings are relevant to researchers within transport efficiency and green logistics.

Shippers’ transport effciency: An approach for measuring load factor

One key aspect of effcient transport is load factor: the load carried compared to the maximum load that could be carried in a load unit (e.g. a vehicle). The purpose of this study is to develop an approach that will clarify and describe ways in which shippers can measure load factor. Drawing on existing literature and understanding gained from empirical data the proposed approach uses the load factor model, which structures measurement of load factor overall and at several levels (packaging, shipping, vehicle, fleet) as the ratio of required to available capacity. Shipping level includes utilization of purchased capacity, which is of special interest to shippers. For applying the model in practice, calculation methods linked to availability of data are presented. Calculations of volumetric load factor from two cases illustrate the methods. This paper’s detailed descriptions of how shippers can measure load factor provide calculation structure as well as transparency. Measuring load factor is of interest to evaluate effciency, particularly since load factor is related to transport costs and environmental performance.

Internal coordination to enable high load factor

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to clarify how activities may be coordinated within shippers’ organisations to enable high load factor (a key aspect of transport efficiency). Design/methodology/approach: A multiple-case study involving three shippers was conducted, in which the logistics or transport managers of each company were interviewed. The cases were analysed according to (1) which activities were coordinated to achieve high load factor, (2) interdependencies between the activities, and (3) the coordination mechanisms that shippers adopted. Findings: A matrix is developed to show the differences in applying various coordination mechanisms in eight categories, according to (1) intrafunctional or interfunctional coordination, (2) sequential or reciprocal interdependencies, and (3) the number of activities (dyadic or multiple). For example, coordination mechanisms aimed at exerting control are more suitable for intrafunctional than interfunctional interaction; interfunctional coordination relies more on mechanisms that aim to increase the understanding of transport-related issues among non-logistics activities. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on data from three Swedish companies. Practical implications: Managers are provided with suggestions for coordinating activities when their goal is to improve load factor. These findings are of interest for reducing costs and emissions. Originality/value: In response to suggestions in the earlier literature that shippers could improve their internal coordination to improve their load factor, this paper articulates several mechanisms for performing such coordination in eight situations.

Influence of freight transport purchasing processes on logistical variables related to CO2 emissions: a case study in Sweden

ABSTRACT Emissions from freight transport stem from logistical variables such as vehicle utilisation, fuel efficiency, and distance. The purpose is to determine how shippers’ freight transport purchasing processes influence logistical variables. A multiple case study of freight transport purchasing processes was conducted, based on interviews with transport purchasers and providers. Three causes of influence of shippers’ purchasing processes on logistical variables were found: specific requirements, network structure of transport providers, and scope of contract. Specifications by purchasers, especially time requirements, influence several logistical variables (‘mode used’, ‘length of haul’, ‘load factor’, ‘empty running’, and ‘fuel efficiency’). This paper clarifies the implications of transport purchasing on CO2 emissions in terms of logistical variables, which are understood in transportation research and practice. It describes the effects of shippers’ requirements on transport providers’ execution of transport. The results provide a foundation for shippers to discuss their influence on logistical variables with transport providers.