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Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Fredrik Ralf Nilsson, Henrik Sternberg and Thorsten Klaas-Wissing

The purpose of this paper is to explore the environmental impact of logistics service provider (LSP) activities in the light of customer priorities and the fragmentation of the…

1666

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the environmental impact of logistics service provider (LSP) activities in the light of customer priorities and the fragmentation of the road haulage industry in Europe. It also explores the extent to which LSPs can actually monitor the environmental impact of logistics activities in the supply chain (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a narrative literature review, an interview study, a case survey and three in-depth case studies. A framework on sustainability challenges in SCs, derived from the literature, is used to structure and analyse the findings.

Findings

Despite the ambitious environmental schemes communicated by several LSPs, they show little interest in, and exert little control over, the actual emissions generated from their transport operations. It is clear from the results that any real concern from customers for environmental solutions which negatively influence the cost and time requirements of logistics services is not yet a reality.

Research limitations/implications

This paper implies that LSP sustainability cannot be investigated in isolation if a company does not manage its proprietary resources (like owning trucks and employing drivers), but rather engage subcontractors.

Practical implications

Environmental policies among different LSPs appear to be similar as policies, but differ in practice. This variation of practices emphasises the importance of follow-up control by environmentally aware buyers of logistics services.

Originality/value

This paper represents a novel approach as to how LSP environmental policies should be viewed. It highlights the concrete need for action to achieve the environmental targets of 2020 and 2050 for carbon emissions from road transportation.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2020

Henrik S. Sternberg, Erik Hofmann and Robert E. Overstreet

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of the ongoing freight market deregulation in the European Union (EU). Specifically, this case study focuses on cabotage…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of the ongoing freight market deregulation in the European Union (EU). Specifically, this case study focuses on cabotage penetration rates in Germany, the largest logistics market in Europe. In light of the upcoming trade barriers, we intend to move this topic forward by emphasising its interdisciplinary nature.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of Eurostat data, expert interviews and a review of related literature, we elaborate and discuss four propositions related to the factors affecting cabotage penetration, future cabotage levels and the effects on modal split and empty runs.

Findings

We found that cabotage in Germany plays a more important role than officially reported and has increased drastically since 2008. Given our analysis, increased cabotage penetration seems to thwart efforts within the EU to promote a modal shift from road to rail and increased national empty runs are the future outcome of current regulations. In Germany, the cabotage share is likely to reach 16% in the next five years.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the need for incorporating a more contextual understanding in freight carrier selection theory development in general as well as country-specific investigations in particular.

Practical implications

Logistics managers and policymakers looking at future strategies are advised to take the ongoing deregulation trend into consideration. European freight movement using cabotage operators may represent significant cost savings; however, these cost savings come at an environmental and social sustainability price as the modal shift to rail and fill rates suffer.

Originality/value

This paper represents an empirical and unbiased point of view, in contrast to the reports of the European Commission (pro-deregulation) or the reports of the haulage associations and labour unions (anti-deregulation).

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Henrik Sternberg and Andreas Norrman

The Physical Internet (PI) is an emerging concept that applies the Digital Internet as a design metaphor for the development of sustainable, interoperable and collaborative…

2926

Abstract

Purpose

The Physical Internet (PI) is an emerging concept that applies the Digital Internet as a design metaphor for the development of sustainable, interoperable and collaborative freight transport. With the aim of aiding researchers and policy makers in their future efforts to develop efficient logistics systems, the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the existing literature on the PI, to critically discuss the concept and to outline a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review investigates scientific papers, project reports, specifications and other publications related to PI. In total, 46 publications were finally analyzed. The approach used in this paper is technology adoption by firms. The authors examine the PI based on four factors: organizational readiness (technological blueprints), external pressure (promised effects), perceived benefits (business model) and adoption.

Findings

A growing number of strategies, blueprints and specifications have been developed for PI, yet there are no currently developed models that illustrate how the move from the entrenched logistics business models to the PI could ensue. There is a lack of understanding of the business models needed that can involve critical actors and promote the adoption of the PI concept.

Research limitations/implications

While using the internet as a metaphor for reimagining physical transports is certainly exciting, this review and analysis suggest that several research questions need to be addressed before further PI blueprint work is carried out.

Practical implications

The “grand challenge” of sustainability in logistics needs to be addressed and improved, but the authors’ analysis suggests that, to some extent, it is uncertain how the PI will contribute to improving sustainability, and why logistics service providers should engage in PI. Policy makers and practitioners are provided with critical issues to consider in the practical development and adoption of the concept.

Originality/value

This paper provides an outsider and technology-adoption perspective of PI research, as well as important implications for policy makers and researchers.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 47 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 49 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2010

Henrik Sternberg, Andreas Hagen, Paolo Paganelli and Kent Lumsden

Today, the transport industry is facing increasing demands on reducing both the environmental impact and cost of freight transports. Another demand, coming from the end consumers…

1094

Abstract

Today, the transport industry is facing increasing demands on reducing both the environmental impact and cost of freight transports. Another demand, coming from the end consumers, is the demand for ecological accountability, so‐called ecological foot‐printing, meaning that the emission of every freight movement is distributed to the freight. Previous research shows that transport planning, system integration and control are some of the key factors to achieve more sustainable transport setups. One of the major obstacles preventing these factors is the complexity of international supply chains, with several involved actors. Smart Freight is a holistic concept, integrating transport management and state‐of‐the‐art technologies for freight tracking and vehicle monitoring, in order to enable improved management and accountability of freight transportation. The purpose of this research is to explore how Smart Freight can be used to control, track and reduce the environmental impact of goods transportation. This research is based on two in‐depth case studies and a demonstration prototype of one of the studied transport setups. An extensive amount of data was collected between 2006 and 2008 through interviews, video filming, document studies, physical travel with the freight flows, seminars, prototype building, literature and desktop studies. The result of this research highlights the weaknesses in today’s control of transport operations and presents a model for how Smart Freight enables a more environmentally friendly and accountable transport system.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2013

Magnus Andersson and Henrik Sternberg

The purpose of this paper is to examine the growing importance of generic mobile computing for ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) development and governance. Specifically…

303

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the growing importance of generic mobile computing for ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) development and governance. Specifically, building on theories of open innovation and pertinent examples, the paper aims to inform future ITS policymaking.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a wide range of national, regional, and industry roadmaps together with scientific reports on the impact of specific ITS services, conclusions for ITS governance and policymaking are drawn.

Findings

This paper finds that it is imperative to proactively embrace the rapidly expanding generic mobile computing service industry and critically reassert investments in dedicated ITS‐infrastructure. This is of equal importance for developed and developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Previous literature has mainly dealt with ITS in terms of mobility of people. This paper addresses ITS in a freight context, an area that has received scarce attention in the literature.

Practical implications

This paper presents important insights for infrastructure policy makers on opportunities to take advantage of freely available data in improving freight mobility.

Social implications

The trend of producing and consuming data simultaneously (so called “prosuming”) is currently re‐shaping the ITS landscape and will in the near future affect millions of daily commuters.

Originality/value

The paper gives an account of current worldwide ITS policies in context. The assessment of services is intended to inform both industry and policymakers.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Henrik Sternberg, Gunnar Stefansson, Emma Westernberg, Rikard Boije af Gennäs, Erik Allenström and Malin Linger Nauska

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…

4538

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.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 62 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Jan Olhager, Sebastian Pashaei and Henrik Sternberg

The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically review the extant literature on the design of global production and distribution networks to identify gaps in the…

4247

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically review the extant literature on the design of global production and distribution networks to identify gaps in the literature and identify future research opportunities. The design aspects deal with strategic and structural decisions such as: opening or closing of manufacturing plants or distribution centres, selection of locations for manufacturing or warehousing, and making substantial capacity changes in manufacturing or distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the peer-reviewed literature on global production and distribution networks written in English. The search strategy is based on selected keywords and databases. The authors identify 109 articles from 1974 to 2012.

Findings

The authors categorize the literature according to research methodology: case studies, conceptual modelling, surveys, and mathematical modelling. The amount of literature up to 2,000 is rather sparse, while there is a positive trend from 2,000 and onwards. The content analysis shows that different research methodologies focus on different but complementary aspects. The authors propose a research agenda for further research on design of global production and distribution networks.

Research limitations/implications

The authors identify research opportunities related to complementary actor perspectives, extended supply chains that explicitly include transportation and suppliers, contingency factors, and new perspectives such as facility roles within production and distribution networks.

Originality/value

This paper is to the author’s knowledge the first broad review that investigates the design aspects of the interrelationships between production and distribution facilities as well as transportation in global production and distribution networks across multiple research methodologies.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 45 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 November 2019

Jenny Chester

142

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 49 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

Chee Yew Wong

This article celebrates the 50th anniversary of IJPDLM, reflects on the contribution of IJPDLM to the field of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) and discusses future…

Abstract

Purpose

This article celebrates the 50th anniversary of IJPDLM, reflects on the contribution of IJPDLM to the field of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) and discusses future directions for the journal.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive analysis of manuscripts received and accepted by IJPDLM during 2015–2019 is used to provide an overview of the journal. Content analysis of selected articles is used to highlight important contributions of the journal. Changes made since 2020 are highlighted to inform future directions of IJPDLM. Invited articles are discussed and used to clarify future directions.

Findings

IJPDLM has made tremendous progress in informing and shaping the field of LSCM. Key issues addressed include sustainability and reverse logistics, omni-channel, e-commerce, retail logistics, risk, resilience, volatility, and complexity and digital technology innovation. The journal has expanded the use of methods beyond the typical qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the use of design science, experiment, conjoint analysis, qualitative comparative analysis, narrative analysis. The invited articles provide (1) a historical reflection of the purpose of the journal when it was launched, (2) new guidance on how to develop theories using literature review and grounded theories and (3) understanding of startups and supply chain ecosystems.

Practical implications

Some exemplar articles are highlighted to explain how IJPDLM informs LSCM managers, companies and policy makers.

Originality/value

This article explains the recent development and sets future directions for the LSCM field.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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