Transportation systems are the most important component of a logistics value chain that connects suppliers, distributors and consumers. Ships transport 90 % of the international commercial freight. Liner shipping is unique in that it operates on a regularly scheduled service between a well-known set of ports. This is an important tool for logisticians to plan material flow. Containerized shipping enables smooth intermodal transport. Cargo does not have to be re-handled. Containerized shipping is dominated by a few big operators. At the beginning of 2004, the top 25 container carriers controlled 79 % of the worlds TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units). Since containerization began 40 years ago, the world has witnessed both increasing volume and dramatically increased container ship size. In the last two years container liner shipping companies have seen growth in profitability, volume and ship size. With huge fixed costs and the desire to keep freight rates stable, operators developed trade lane partnerships and strategic alliances. A systems approach to logistics initiated in the U.S. Department of Defense and supporting industrial base can apply to container liner shipping industry. In that context, container liner shipping is a system that provides transportation services to customers. All the internal functions and processes are to be treated as sub-systems and components. Logistics systems engineering is an inherent component of the lifecycle, and also serves as a powerful and practical tool for any part of problem solving. Any system needs to be designed to be supportable and operated efficiently and effectively throughout its lifecycle. Logistics support requirements and elements should be considered through Supportability Analysis (SA) at the early stages of the system design. SA is an iterative process, a family of tools and methods. The implementation of a systematic process for both preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance could save carriers from between 20 % and 60 % manpower and materials cost.
Logistics management: The competitive edge for container liner ship operators
Logistics Spectrum ; 38 , 3 ; 17-21
2004
5 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 17 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
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