The logistics sector is growing rapidly. Freight transport has increased by 31 per cent between 1995 and 2005. As the volume of world trade rises, the European Commission predicts a further 50 per cent increase by 2020. But the logistics sector faces a number of challenges. Besides globalisation, means supply chains have become longer and more complex, increasing traffic congestion and soaring fuel prices, the logistics industry faces public and state environmental concerns, such as air and water pollution, energy con- sumption or waste disposal.
Studies show that transportation and logistics can account for up to 75 per cent of a business’s carbon footprint. National governments and the European Union have therefore introduced a number of measures to ‘green’ transport and in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy-makers and their policies and regulations on sustainable logistics are assumed to play a critical role in the future development of sustainable logistics.
The key research questions are
Q1: How do 3PL companies see their current corporate activity in terms of sustainable logistics dependent on governmental policies and regulations?
Q2: To what extent do 3PL firms think that governmental policies and regulations are necessary in order to shift the industry towards more sustainability?
Q3: How do 3PLs assess the role of subcontractors on this topic and how will the logistics market be influenced by policies on sustainable logistics?
The selection of the sampling is based on the exploratory sample which helps to generate deep insights into new ideas and people’s expertise. In total, five logistics experts were questioned through telephone and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. All experts work in different leading transport and logistics firms in executive positions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1 Relevancy
- 1.2 Aiming
- 1.3 Scope of Dissertation
- 1.4 Content and Structure
- 2 Theoretical Foundations about Sustainable Logistics
- 2.1 Definitions
- 2.1.1 Sustainable Development
- 2.1.2 Third-Party Logistics Provider
- 2.1.3 Sustainable Logistics
- 2.2 Interactive Relationship between Green Logistics and Sustainable Development
- 2.3 Logistics Solutions and Supply Chains in Times of Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 2.3.1 Effects of Logistics Operation on Environment
- 2.3.2 Green Logistics Strategies based on Sustainable Development
- 2.3.2.1 The Wheel of Green Logistics
- 2.3.2.1.1 Green Transportation
- 2.3.2.1.2 Green Warehousing
- 2.3.2.2 Decarbonisation Framework for Logistics
- 2.3.2.2.1 Reducing Freight Transport Intensity
- 2.3.2.2.2 Shifting Freight to Less Carbon-Intensive Modes of Transport
- 2.3.2.2.3 Increasing Vehicle Utilisation
- 2.3.2.2.4 Improved Energy Efficiency in Freight Transport Operations
- 2.3.2.1 The Wheel of Green Logistics
- 2.4 The Need for Governmental and Multi-National Intervention
- 2.5 Summary
- 2.1 Definitions
- 3 Public Policies and Regulations on Sustainable Logistics
- 3.1 The Development of a Conceptual Framework of Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 3.1.1 Institutional Issues of Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 3.1.2 A Conceptual Model of Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 3.2 European and British Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 3.2.1 European Union's Public Policy Measures on Intermodal Freight Transport
- 3.2.2 European and British CO2 Emission Reduction Policy Measures
- 3.3 Summary
- 3.1 The Development of a Conceptual Framework of Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics
- 4 Methodology
- 4.1 Deduction of the Hypotheses based on the Literature Review
- 4.2 Empirical Research Design
- 4.2.1 Selection of the Survey Strategy and Data Acquisition
- 4.2.1.1 Survey Strategy
- 4.2.1.2 Data Acquisition
- 4.2.2 Population and Selection of the Sampling
- 4.2.3 Procedure of the Semi-Structured Interviews
- 4.2.4 Preparation of the Qualitative Data for Analysis
- 4.2.1 Selection of the Survey Strategy and Data Acquisition
- 4.3 Critique of the Methodology
- 5 Empirical Research about the Impact of Public Policies and Regulations on Sustainable Logistics on Third-Party Logistics Provider
- 5.1 Expert Interview Results and Research Analysis
- 5.1.1 Experts' Viewpoint on Sustainable Logistics
- 5.1.2 Experts' Evaluation of current Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics and the Impact on Third-Party Logistics Providers
- 5.1.3 Experts' Evaluation of the Role of Subcontractors and the Outlook of the Market
- 5.1.3.1 Role of Subcontractors
- 5.1.3.2 Outlook of the Market
- 5.1.4 Experts' Assessment about Public Policies on CO2 Emission Reduction and Intermodal Freight Transport
- 5.1.4.1 Public Policies on CO2 Emission Reduction and Their Impact on 3PLs
- 5.1.4.2 Public Policies on Intermodal Freight Transport and Their Impact on 3PLs
- 5.2 Hypothesis Testing and related Recommended Courses of Action
- 5.1 Expert Interview Results and Research Analysis
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of public policies and regulations on sustainable logistics on the operations and strategic decisions of third-party logistics providers (3PLs). The research explores how 3PLs perceive the role of these policies, their necessity in driving industry-wide sustainability, and the influence on subcontractors and the market.
- The influence of public policies on sustainable logistics practices within 3PL companies.
- The perceived importance of government regulations in fostering sustainability within the logistics sector.
- The impact of sustainable logistics policies on the role and challenges faced by subcontractors.
- The potential market changes resulting from the implementation of sustainable logistics policies.
- Analysis of specific policies concerning CO2 emission reduction and intermodal freight transport.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Introduction lays out the relevance of sustainable logistics, defines the research aims, scope and structure of the dissertation.
Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations provides definitions of key terms like sustainable development, 3PLs and sustainable logistics, explores the relationship between green logistics and sustainable development, and examines various logistics strategies focused on sustainability.
Chapter 3: Public Policies and Regulations discusses the development of a conceptual framework for public policies on sustainable logistics, focusing on European and British policies related to intermodal freight transport and CO2 emission reduction.
Chapter 4: Methodology details the research design, including the selection of a sample of logistics experts, the interview process, and the analysis of qualitative data.
Chapter 5: Empirical Research presents the findings from expert interviews, analyzing their perspectives on sustainable logistics, the impact of current policies, the role of subcontractors, and the outlook for the market, specifically regarding CO2 emission reduction and intermodal freight transport policies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sustainable logistics, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), public policy, environmental regulations, CO2 emission reduction, intermodal freight transport, sustainability, supply chain management, expert interviews, qualitative research.
- Quote paper
- Master of Science Martin Töbelmann (Author), 2011, Public Policies on Sustainable Logistics and the Impact on Third-Party Logistics Provider, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/182894
