Unravelling collaboration mechanisms for green logistics: the perspectives of shippers and logistics service providers

Abstract

PurposeThe green logistics literature remains undecided on how collaboration between shippers (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) may facilitate green logistics practices (GLPs). This paper identifies two types of collaboration mechanisms, relation specific and knowledge sharing, to systematically examine their influence on facilitating the different types of GLPs – as seen by shippers versus LSPs.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses of 169 shippers and 162 LSPs in Sweden were collected and analysed using exploratory- and confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that neither of the actors consistently favour a certain type of collaboration mechanisms for facilitating all types of GLPs. Although it was found that both actors share the same view on the role of collaboration mechanisms for some GLPs, their views took contrasting forms for others.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the green logistics literature by incorporating a trilateral distinction to present collaboration recommendations for GLPs, based on (1) the collaboration mechanism at play, (2) the actor's perspective and (3) the GLP in question.Practical implicationsInsights are offered to managers at shipper/LSP firms to apply the right (“fit for purpose”) collaboration mechanisms in their relationships with their logistics partners with respect to the desired GLPs.Originality/valueThis is one of the first large-scale studies to systematically reveal in what way collaboration can facilitate the different types of GLPs.

Transport in supply networks

“…regarding the perceived need for flexibility) as well as on the different situations and perspectives of the other actors involved. The latter relates to a recent paper by Jazairy et al. (2021), who discuss collaboration mechanisms for green logistics in view of the different perspectives of buyers of transport services (shippers) and LSPs.…”

“…Such choices naturally depend on the conditions in specific supply chains (e.g. regarding the perceived need for The latter relates to a recent paper by Jazairy et al (2021), who discuss collaboration mechanisms for green logistics in view of the different perspectives of buyers of transport services (shippers) and LSPs. Similarly, Huge-Brodin et al (2020, p. 598) focus on this dyad, and they conclude that "shippers' customers have a strong influence on what is practically achievable in terms of green logistics, which in turn underlines the importance of taking a supply chain perspective".…”

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

“…Thus, not all firms have appropriate responsiveness in spite of they have and use different transportation modes. Many Personal Computer producers such as Gateway and Compaq have failed in delivering their products to customers on time due to failure to react quickly to provide the required items and parts for manufacturing PCs from their providers in Taiwan ( Jazairy et al., 2021 ; Chen et al., 2018 ; Qrunfleh and Tarafdar, 2013 ). What is needed to bridge the gap?…”

9th International Conference on Business Servitization

“…An increasing emphasis on sustainability engagement has lead companies to collaborate externally (Walker et al, 2014;Jazairy et al, 2021). The level of collaboration is beneficial for the company as it enhances companies' sustainable production, which makes external collaboration worth investing (Blome et al, 2014).…”