A framework for transport planning processes - A logistics service provider perspective

Paper i proceeding, 2013

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore operational planning processes for road based long haul transportation and analyze the potentials for improvements. The point of departure is an Operations Management planning model used to build a frame of reference that is used to analyze transport planning processes. Design/methodology/approach - A literature study was conducted to review models and theories from the Operations Management area. The outcome of that study was used to provide a theoretical foundation for analyzing transport planning processes. Following the literature study, empirical data was collected through two different case studies, one with focus on vehicle fill rate and the other with focus on transport planning processes. Findings - The findings include evidence of poor fill rate in road based long haul transportation related to poor planning processes. Hence, a framework for transport planning based on Operations Management planning models is provided. By using that framework, the analysis reveals shortcomings in transport planning related to lack of information access but also time to allocate the right resources to various assignments. Research limitations/implications – This paper is focused on road based transportation. It shows poor fill rate in long haul transport operations and consequently a need for improved transport operations planning. The provided transport planning framework constitutes a theoretical contribution and is beneficial for analyzing transport operations planning. Practical implications – The fact that the fill rate in long haul road based transportation has potential to improve gives an opportunity for enhanced planning operations. The developed framework is useful in identifying opportunities for improvements in planning as well as what prerequisites needs to be fulfilled to enable better transport planning. Originality/value – In addition to showing evidence of poor fill rate in road based transportation, this work provides a transport operations planning framework based on traditional Operations Management planning models and transport planning models.