Third-party logistics providers (TPLs) and environmental sustainability practices in developing countries: The case of Morocco

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made by TPLs to implement green practices through a case study of Moroccan TPLs.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study of Moroccan TPLs was conducted using an interview guide.

Findings

The findings indicate that the internal and external drivers motivate TPLs to implement green practices while internal and external obstacles hinder them. The authors identified two groups of TPLs, each with a specific environmental sustainability approach. The results indicate also that environmental sustainability is at an early stage of development in Moroccan TPLs. Based on these findings, the authors were able to develop several propositions for further research. It is suggested that TPLs market coverage can influence positively their green initiative; the lack of collaboration and partners involvement hinders TPLs environmental initiatives; and the lack of clear environmental strategy limits TPLs environmental sustainability initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalization of its findings. The possibility of generalizing the present findings to countries beyond Morocco is limited by the fact that data were collected exclusively there. Studies might therefore do well to investigate TPLs in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Also, the research could be expanded by taking into account how shippers or client companies collaborate with TPLs to improve sustainability initiatives.

Practical implications

The results can be used to inform companies about environmental sustainability initiatives that have been implemented or to identify practices that can be adopted.

Originality/value

The relevant literature has centered on advanced countries, and few studies have been conducted in the logistics market. Research on the sustainable initiatives of TPLs in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the sustainable practices of TPLs in Morocco.

Citation

El Baz, J. and Laguir, I. (2017), "Third-party logistics providers (TPLs) and environmental sustainability practices in developing countries: The case of Morocco", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 37 No. 10, pp. 1451-1474. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-07-2015-0405