Logistics Outsourcing by Manufacturers in China: A Survey of the Industry

摘要

This article examines the current status and future prospects of Chinese manufacturers' usage of external logistics services as well as differences between users and non-users based on a survey of the industry in 2002. The results reveal that users and non-users differ significantly in some firm-specific characteristics, such as industry type, production mode, and account size. Many manufacturers employ a "mix" strategy to reduce risks associated with this transitional economy through temporary purchase from multiple providers. There is an increasing trend for firms to outsource logistics services in China, especially in the area of logistics information system management and logistics system design. Major dissatisfaction in the market is caused by rate level, on-time delivery performance, and number of service offerings.