Brief Report on outline as a guide. Using your outline from week 1 as a guide, submit a minimum of 5 pages of the research you have completed on your topic to date. You should have an

Identify New Challenges within Transportation and Logistics Management and Development Viable Solutions to these Problems

Ricky A. Sanabria

Student Number:

Professor Dave DeBoer

Senior Seminar in Transportation and Logistics

Abstract

The paper will summarize the main highlights of the research, including results and discussions of the research questions. The abstract will start by briefly explaining transportation, logistics, and statistics where possible and why it is essential in any economy. The abstract describes the research paper's purpose and why it is crucial to tackle the problems in this industry or sector. The transport and logistics company has faced various challenges caused by human error, such as missing documentation, missing deadlines, and lack of information sharing with frontline workers. The research has found that most transport companies cannot reduce losses due to severe weather conditions. The lack of accurate weather data has led to the loss of revenue. However, by using software and cooperating with several partners in the transport industry, many transport companies can avoid such problems. Empty miles are a significant issue that leads to increased carbon emissions, thus destroying the environment.

Introduction to the topic, problem or thesis statements

This paper will examine the current transport and logistics industry challenges and the viable solutions. The topic will focus on identifying new transportation and logistics management challenges and developing possible solutions. The purpose of writing this paper is to find out the problems facing this industry in recent years. There have been many changes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic climate changes and other factors that have changed how companies and businesses operate, and therefore, it is crucial to investigate new challenges and how to solve them. The paper's thesis statement will be that the transport and logistics industry faces changes daily; therefore, exploring new challenges and discovering new solutions is paramount in dealing with the transition to experience a stable economy.

Literature Review Background Research

Transport and logistics management is an essential sector in an economy. Transportation and logistics cover the production, storage, inventory, and distribution of goods to the end consumer. It is crucial in the supply chain and involves following and keeping procedures to distribute goods to the final destination safely. Transport and logistics offer various benefits, including increasing efficiency, lowering costs, improving production turnout, enhancing inventory management, and preventing disruption in the supply chain, among others.

Discussion of ideas on the topic and problem

The transport and logistics industry has faced high transport costs, which affect the company and the end customers. Increased shipping costs reduce the purchasing power of customers and minimize market size and competition, which can affect a company’s bottom line and productivity.

The second challenge is poor or limited visibility, which may lead to increased fees, reduced profits, and broken customer trust—several factors, including lack of proper documentation and poor communication, cause these challenges.

Fragmented or poor communication is an issue in this sector because of various links. The problem arises due to a lack of visibility software or warehouse management systems and a need for more transparency in sharing information with workers.

Delayed delivery in transport is a significant issue caused by various factors and unexpected events, including piracy, severe weather conditions, and fire. External factors that can cause delays in delivering goods include missing export licenses, improper labeling, and misplaced cargo.

Running empty files impacts the company’s revenue, environment, and fuel consumption. The issue has several side effects, including increased operational costs and instability of the empty trailer, which can pose a threat when driven during high winds.

Severe weather conditions have affected the transport and logistics industry. The conditions lead to damaged infrastructure and disruption of transport schedules. The consequence is delayed shipment of goods to the customer.

Discussion of new solution(s) to the problem

The high transportation costs will be solved by using flexible modes of transport. The issue can also be solved by conducting seamless operations to reduce errors. Implementing online software will help transport companies plan and schedule transport routes easily.

In the second problem, poor visibility of the shipments, the solutions will be to invest in ELD devices or use external data streams and aggregators to improve visibility. Investing in advanced technology like IoT (Internet of Things) will help track goods.

Poor communication in transport and logistics will be solved by informing and sharing crucial information with frontline workers. The problem can also be solved by installing firewalls, conducting regular checks, and using data encryption. Implementing software will also improve data and information security.

Delays in delivery in the transport and logistics sector will be solved by offering several options for the end customer on how to receive goods. The delays can be solved by using different carriers and sharing shipping information online on the shopping cart. The other solution is to use real-time shipping tracks for efficiency.

Empty miles in the transport industry will be solved by identifying new revenue opportunities. Another strategy for solving the issue is using collaboration or consolidation of shipments. Transport companies could also consider the return of distribution to eliminate empty miles.

Weather changes affect the transportation of goods, which can be resolved by analyzing weather data to help adjust timetables. Using relevant and accurate weather forecasts can also help in averting severe weather conditions. Monitoring water levels should be conducted to avoid shipping vessels getting stuck on frozen rivers.

Conclusion

The paper has covered the transport and logistics industry's new challenges and possible solutions to averting or eliminating the problem. Transport companies can reduce high transport costs and reduce loss of revenue by being flexible and offering different options to the customer. Maintaining trust is crucial to keep the business running and afloat.

References

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