Title: Adopting ro-ro transportation in inland China: a decision criteria survey of shippers, forwarders, and haulers

Authors: Kun Yu; Yong J. Wang; Christopher R. Moberg; Kevin W. Cruthirds

Addresses: College of Strategy and Planning, Chongqing Technology and Business University, 19 Xuefu Avenue, Nan'an Disctrict, Chongqing 400067, China ' College of Business, Ohio University, Copeland Hall 638, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA ' College of Business, Ohio University, Copeland Hall 209, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA ' School of Business Administration, University of Texas at Brownsville, EDBC #2.438, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, Texas 78520, USA

Abstract: China's western inland has experienced rapid economic development during the past two decades. One possible solution for firms in this area to meet cost reduction challenges is the increased use of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) practices as part of their intermodal transportation strategies. This study focuses on customer adoption of ro-ro transportation between two major hubs, Chongqing and Wuhan, on the Yangtze River. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study examined the determinants on ro-ro transportation choices made by shippers, forwarders, and haulers in Western China. The research discovered that customers use comprehensive consideration sets when considering transportation choices. Four major aspects of determinants were revealed: cost reduction, transportation lead-time, convenience, and safety issues. It was also discovered that priorities change among different types of customers. Implications for developing effective alternative transportation strategies in developing countries such as China are provided.

Keywords: ro-ro transport; roll-on roll-off transport; transport choice; decision criteria; inland China; Yangtze River; logistics; cost reduction; transport lead times; convenience; safety issues; developing countries; intermodal transport strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2013.057506

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2013 Vol.16 No.4, pp.426 - 443

Published online: 26 Dec 2013 *

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