Efficient Management of Receiving and Delivery Empty Container at Container Yard

Abstract

The receipt and delivery of empty containers in container yards is an important component of the import and export process. At present, such process is time consuming, causing an increase in transportation costs and resulting the traffic congestion in both of container yards and public roads. This impacts the cargo stuffing schedule at factory and vessel closing time of export laden container in port. The objectives of this research were to 1. study the level of organizational management, container yard operations, domestic transportation, international transportation and efficiency of empty container receipt and delivery; and 2. study the influence of organizational management, container yard operations, domestic transportation, international transportation and efficiency of empty container receipt and delivery. This research employed a mixed research methodology combining quantitative and qualitative methods. For the quantitative research part, the sample consisted of 300 individuals including 33 entrepreneurs of marine shipping companies, 40 entrepreneurs of container yards, and 227 entrepreneurs of transport companies. They were selected by proportional stratified sampling. The sample size was determined based on the criterion 20 times the observe variables. Data were collected via the use of a questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive analysis and a structural equation model. As for the qualitative research component, in-depth interviews were conducted with 9 executives and chairman of related associations, obtained by purposive sampling. Data were then analyzed by content analysis. The research findings showed that: 1. organizational management was rated at a high level whereas container yard operations, domestic transportation, international transportation and the efficiency of empty container receipt and delivery were rated at the highest level; and 2. organizational management and domestic transportation affected the efficiency of empty container receipt and delivery, container yard operations affected domestic transportation, and domestic transportation in turn affected international transportation. Moreover, it was also found that management at all levels needed to be systematically integrated. These research findings explain a causal relationship model that affects the enhancement of the efficiency of empty container receipt and delivery. Stakeholders can use the research findings to determine the right policy and operational plan. They should also apply information technology in working process to reduce the transportation time and cost of empty container receipt and delivery at container yard. Moreover, these research findings can serve as information for organizations in the public and private sectors in determining strategic plans for the country’s logistics industry in the short and long-term.