International logistics services: A carrier-shipper comparison of one-stop shopping.

摘要

One-Stop Shopping is a relatively recent concept in international shipping, in which a buyer of international freight can purchase all required services as one package from one carrier. The concept's lack of success in practice has been subject to speculation.; A carrier-shipper comparison study was carried out to evaluate global carrier understanding of potential One-Stop Shopping customers. International shippers located in the United States and global ocean and air carriers were surveyed about their perceptions concerning a range of logistics service variables and One-Stop Shopping expectations. These perceptions were compared using t-tests. Additionally, an evaluation was made of the effectiveness of the targeting criteria used by carriers to identify potential One-Stop Shopping customers, using a two-sample test of proportions.; Certain carrier misconceptions about potential One-Stop Shopping customers have become apparent. It appears that carriers are emphasizing service capabilities that are less critical to shipper satisfaction. International shippers tend to have higher expectations for the effects of One-Stop Shopping than carriers perceived them to be. Carrier understanding of customer characteristics appears limited. In spite of the observed misconceptions, conditions for One-Stop Shopping acceptance appear favorable in the future.