Trevor D. Heaver

Logistics Performance: Definition and Measurement

Concerns the definition and measurement of performance in logistics research. A review of the literature reveals a variety of constraints which make it difficult to draw broad inferences from the literature about the relationship between a given logistics strategy and performance. Discusses low logistics performance has been and could be conceptualized, operationally defined, measured and utilized. The limitations of alternative research designs and performance measures are revealed. Recommendations are made to improve the quality of future research.

CO-OPERATION AND COMPETITION IN INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TRANSPORT: STRATEGIES FOR PORTS

This paper focuses on the response of port authorities to the changing market environment in which they operate. It documents the changes taking place in the relationships between port authorities and terminal management companies and considers the strategic issues faced by these groups and other port interests. In particular, it investigates the potential conflicts of interest for a port authority in matters related to the level of competition amongst terminals within a port and the amount of competition amongst ports.

Do mergers and alliances influence European shipping and port competition

In Europe, ports are confronted with a closer integration in the maritime and shipping industries. The co-operation agreements can take several forms such as alliances and mergers among shipping lines, conferences, involvement of shipping companies in terminal management, and extending interests in inland transport of shipping companies. In this paper we give a brief overview of these different types of agreement and we examine the consequences of this evolution of the market structures in which ports and shipping companies have to operate. More specifically, attention goes to the competitive position of the port in this new environment. It is clear that the role of the port and the port authorities has to be redefined to guarantee that it remains a fully fledged player in this fast evolving integrated market.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF INCREASED COMPETITION AMONG PORTS FOR PORT POLICY AND MANAGEMENT.

The increased competition faced by ports is more focused than previously on the performance of logistics systems of which the individual terminals in ports are critical hubs. The changes in competitive conditions raise issues about appropriate public port policies and strategies of port managements. This paper argucs that the port industry should (and is) moving in the direction of more harmonized policies based on economic principles. Port policies based on cost recovery from users of port facilities and services need to be adopted as the international standard. The competitive environment favours considerable local autonomy. Port management, in addition to possible direct responsibility for terminal management, needs to focus on activities with economies of scale or scope. Such activities, which span the requirements of terminals and may even warrant inter-port cooperation, enhance the services available for many port users.

Planning and scheduling for efficiency in liner shipping

ANALYSIS OF THE CAPACITY REQUIRED TO SERVE A SPECIFIC TRADE ROUTE,WITH APPLICATION TO AUSTRALIANORTH AMERICAN WEST COAST TRADE

RAIL FREIGHT SERVICE IN CANADA: RESTRUCTURING FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET.

Abstract Railways have been essential to the political and economic development of Canada. The networks and corporate strategies of railways have served and helped to shape the economy. Their roles in the economy have changed with the evolution of economic and political conditions. The business of the railways has become more competitive and more oriented to the import and export trades of Canada. However, it is only since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement that the railways have shifted to a North American strategy. They must still deal with government policies and corporate legacies which inhibit their international competitiveness.

The Structure of Liner Conference Rates

This paper examines the general factors which account for the differences between freight rates on commodities in shipping conference tariffs. The study gives special emphasis to the contributions of stowage factors, unit value and value of total trade in determining ocean liner freight rates.

Transportation Policy in Canada

This chapter describes how the transport policy issues in Canada have many features in common with other countries but it also reflects differences arising from its geographic size, patterns of economic development, and its federal political structure. Canadian national transport policy is the focus of this chapter and this policy deals with inter-provincial and international transport of freight and passengers, and has traditionally been little involved with urban transport and the automobile. The latter is in contract to transport policy concerns for developed countries with high population densities. Historically, transportation policy orientation was to unify the country and promote a national economy, whereas over time the importance of transport to facilitate economic activity and trade became more important than political unity objectives. The result has been a shift in the broad policy from one in which transport was used as an instrument to serve national policy, an approach that resulted in the promotion and protection of carriers, to an approach that largely separates transport policy from other national policy concerns. This shift in policy has taken place as the country has grown and matured economically and politically.

The Role of Customs Administration in the Structure and Efficiency of International Logistics: An International Comparison

Shippers are seeking international gateways that can provide them with services consistent with “seamless logistics”. This places pressures on public and private organizations, such as customs and freight forwarders, to adopt competitive technologies and systems. Electronic data interchange and integrated logistics management practices enable significant improvements in border procedures. A comparison of developments in four countries reveals that strategic changes by customs will enable more efficient logistics services. However, customs and forwarders in the countries are progressing at different rates.

Increased collaborative relationships in international logistics: Canadian and other national and corporate examples

This article argues that the increased competition and uncertainties faced by corporations and countries as a result of the globalisation and volatility of world trade in the first decade of this century have resulted in new collaborative relationships in international logistics. Evidence, largely from Canada, identifies shifts in corporate relationships. The changes are consistent with expectations derived from Williamson’s economics of governance. Relationships between negotiating firms involve greater collaboration to enhance mutual gains in face of more dynamic and uncertain conditions.