Applying a lean approach to identify waste in motor carrier operations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a waste framework for motor carrier operations by adapting the classical 7 waste framework, and furthermore, to validate it by collecting empirical data from several motor carrier operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen approach includes three steps, starting with analyzing qualitative data from a literature review and an interview study. The interviewees were experts from carrier operations, the lean field, carrier technology providers and carrier service buyers. The findings were validated with qualitative and quantitative studies at five motor carrier operators.

Findings

The finding of this paper is a waste framework adapted to motor carrier operations that has been based on the classical 7 waste framework. This provides a structured framework of inefficiencies found in motor carrier operations.

Originality/value

Previous literature is scarce on both holistic approaches to describing waste in carrier operations and in‐depth studies of day‐to‐day transport operations. It is also a novel approach to use a waste framework for transport operations.

Citation

Sternberg, H., Stefansson, G., Westernberg, E., Boije af Gennäs, R., Allenström, E. and Linger Nauska, M. (2013), "Applying a lean approach to identify waste in motor carrier operations", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 62 No. 1, pp. 47-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401311285291