Transport in supply networks

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyse how transport activities are embedded in supply chains and networks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is empirically grounded in a single case study that describes and analyses a supply chain of a particular product, Geocloth, focussing on how transport activities are organised in the supply network.FindingsThe paper concludes that transport activities are embedded in two related settings – the supply chain setting and the transport network setting – with implications for how adjustments can be made to increase transport performance. Furthermore, the paper shows how transport performance can be analysed as a function of how business relationships are connected vertically (i.e. how transport activities are sequentially connected within supply chains) and horizontally (i.e. how transport activities are connected across supply chains with regard to joint resource use).Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the understanding of how transport is integrated in supply networks by focussing on the connections between business relationships in supply chains and by pointing to how transport activities are embedded both in supply chain settings and in transport network settings.

An investigation of transportation logistics strategy on manufacturing supply chain responsiveness in developing countries: the mediating role of delivery reliability and delivery speed

“…Freight transport activities and its strategy are big challenges when it comes to improving SC sustainability and responsiveness. Hence, considering the increased highlights on sustainability and responsiveness within the SCM discipline, it is somewhat surprising that the focus on the transportation strategy and logistics activities are relatively scarce within the SCM literature ( Erikson et al., 2022 ). However, many studies have highlighted the basic and complex embedding of different transport processes in supply chains and their responsiveness impact on its to customer requirements ( Andersson et al., 2019 ).…”

“…Transportation connects the operational activities between shippers and consignees across regions; therefore, the selection of transportation modes is correlated not only with logistics costs but also with customer satisfaction, financial cash flows, supply chain efficiency, and ultimately competitive advantage. Therefore, Eiriksson et al. (2022) state that the selection of transportation modes (intermodal) has become a strategically crucial decision in global SCM.…”

“…Indeed, the production and shipping of products and services on time without any delay, to the right location, in right quantity, and at minimum total cost is one of the crucial aims for many manufacturing firms due to the recent trend of the global challenges ( Diaz et al., 2022 ; Sahoo, 2021 ). Considering the increased highlighting on sustainability within the SCM discipline, it is somewhat surprising that the focus on transport logistics and its strategy within manufacturing firms is relatively limited and scarce in the SCM literature ( Eriksson et al., 2022 ). Hence, there is a need a contribution from scholars and practitioners to analyse transport and its strategy within manufacturing firms as a part of wider logistics and SCM contexts McKinnon (2021) .…”

“…Using and implementing different transportation modes, capacity, operations, and several SC logistical activities in order to achieve and enhance the firm's performance via its SC ( Eriksson et al., 2022 ; Andersson et al., 2019 ). Hence, there is one way to reduce the negative environmental impact and costs of transport is to change the mix of transport modes applies such as using an intermodal transport solutions ( Reis and Macario, 2019 ).…”

“…Whereas, many pieces of research in SCM literature did not consider the dependable and flexible delivery modes to be deployed in conjunction with firms’ TLS and SCR, and the benefits as well. Secondly, no clear findings on the effect of TLS on SCR on firm's performance ( Eriksson et al., 2022 ) The Tsvetkova and Gammelgaard (2018) and Qi et al. (2009) studies show that there is a significant and positive impact between firm’s TLS and SCR.…”