ABSTRACT This article investigates the performance-based logistics (PBL) theory and explores the potential of introducing the PBL service model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. A multiple case study approach is used to explore this research question. Four case firms are selected for this study. The analyses have identified several major risks and influencing factors that hinder the application of the PBL model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. However, with PBL's strength to bring sustainability benefits, an extended assessment analysis of the risks and influencing factors is conducted, and the counter-risk strategies are explored. This study has shown there is a high opportunity for PBL development in Taiwan if the obstacles can be dealt collaboratively in the heavy vehicle supply chains. The research findings provide valuable insights into Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains and similar emerging Asian economies relying mainly on international heavy vehicle suppliers.

Global shipping has experienced huge changes over the past decade. It began with the shipping boom prior to 2007, radically slowing during the recession period, but picking up again in late 2013. But over the past 18 months, shipping has slowed again, while the industry is continuing to increase capacity. This cycle has changed the way in which seaports compete and the investments they attract for expansion. Prices for multi-model, intermodal, and port services have cycled accordingly while the demand for high service levels increased. However, since early 2015 global shipping has slowed, creating excess capacity, and driving down container shipping prices, some routes as much as 75 percent. This has created a shift in how global seaports compete and their effect on intermodal and multi-modal services. The purpose of this special themed issue on global shipping and ports is to examine how the shift in global trade has affected global shipping and port competitiveness and performance including shipping and port services, multi-modal shipping, hinterland services, intermodal carriers, and linkages to short-sea shipping, as well as how shipping and ports respond to sustain their competitiveness. This themed issue is designed to examine the effects of the change in shipping and port competitiveness, their long term economic sustainability by creating and advancing new theory, testing existing theory, and examining application through empirical studies.Submitted papers for the themed issue should emphasize a primary research question that addresses the change in shipping and port competitiveness, their supporting infrastructure, as well as changes in the ports to attract new customers, how they view future investments, and how they address economic sustainability. Manuscripts should utilize a robust methodology that contributes to theory advancement, theory testing, empirical application, and analytics. All methodological approaches are welcome, but those using a multi-method approach are especially encouraged. The special issue is not limited to commercial applications, but also includes charitable and humanitarian logistics.Examples of topics include, but are not limited to: Shipping Services and CompetitivenessNew Theory Development or Theory Testing inPort CompetitionBalanced Theory of Port Competitiveness ApplicationsSeaport Sustainability – Future ViabilityResource Dependency Theory ApplicationsHumanitarian Supply ChainsPort Risk ManagementContainerization or Bulk CargoMilitary ApplicationsCarrier or Shipper IssuesIntermodal and Multi-modal LogisticsDistribution & Warehousing Networks Linked to PortsPort Services and Port InnovationWorld Bank Investment in Ports & Public-PrivatePartnershipsWe are pleased to announce that the themed issued will be the Summer 2018 issue. Manuscripts should be submitted no later than August 31, 2017, for consideration. Please refer to www.editorialmanager.com/TransJour for author and submission guidelines. The Transportation Journal has been the leading journal of logistics and supply chain-related transportation research for over 50 years.

Abstract Business organizations are increasingly competing to secure key resources such as scarce raw materials, patentable technologies, transportation capacity, channels of distribution, and preferential customer status. This competition, termed factor market rivalry (FMR), has implications for supply chain theory and managerial practice, especially in the transportation sector. In this article, we adopt a conceptual theory-building approach in order to influence future discourse on FMR. Specifically, we integrate existing literature to develop a typology of the mechanisms through which FMR can affect firm performance and introduce a framework illustrating the different types of actions firms can take in response to FMR and to utilize FMR to complement existing competitive repertoires. We describe theoretical and managerial implications and suggest several directions for future research.

Abstract Catastrophic events, occurrences of severe weather, and year-over-year changes in the weather pose various degrees of risks for companies and their supply chains. These risks range from severe, prolonged supply chain disruptions, to critical stockouts, and to escalating costs due to last-minute implementation of the emergency procedures. When these risks come to fruition, the financial impacts can easily reach millions of dollars or more. This study introduces a new concept of intelligent preparedness—preparedness based on the ability to sense, capture, and analyze weather data and turn it into actionable insights. The fundamental difference between conventional preparedness and intelligent preparedness lies in the way in which weather big data are leveraged (or lack thereof) in managing weather-related risks. A case example of an early implementer is presented to illustrate the important role that data analytics play in enabling managers to take advantage of the weather big data in effectuating intelligent preparedness.

Abstract This research examines the role of individuals in managing relationships between logistics service providers and their customers. Using self-determination theory's principles of psychological empowerment and employee stewardship, the study considers the autonomy of boundary spanners (implants) and the level of clarity in the individual's role and the resulting impact on implants' efforts toward customer service responsiveness. Survey responses were collected from implants in a logistics setting to test the proposed relationships. Findings show that as implants are given more autonomy in their job function and as the clarity of their roles increases, they are willing to become more responsive to customer needs. A discussion of the results and managerial implications are also offered.

Abstract This article reports the findings of a 2014 survey of the CEOs of 14 of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) companies serving the North American market. The survey marks the 21st annual iteration of this effort to document and analyze their views concerning such matters as the major dynamics, opportunities, and challenges facing their companies. The article also addresses such issues as the “Amazon Effect” and its impact on the 3PL industry, the industry's involvement in the nearshoring movement, and the recent restructuring of the regional industry through a wave of large-scale acquisitions. The implications of the findings are also discussed by the authors.

Abstract Determining a suitable location for an intermodal terminal is a critical element of the terminal establishment process, a decision on which the functionality of the entire intermodal freight distribution chain depends. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the criteria used for deciding on suitable locations for intermodal terminals in Croatia. First, quality indicators of intermodal terminals were identified: flexibility, safety and security, reliability, time, and accessibility. Based on these quality indicators, and in compliance with the European traffic policy and efficient functioning of intermodal transport, location criteria were formed and evaluated: legislative, environmental, goods flows, spatial, technical-technological, and organizational. Each criterion is divided further into subcriteria and evaluated using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. The results of the study show that the criterion of goods flows has the most significant impact on the selection of the terminal location, followed by the spatial criterion. A position that connects to the European traffic corridor network is essential for a Croatian terminal's success.

Abstract This article proposes a simple vehicle-routing technique that can help motor carriers reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emission. This technique is designed specifically for small motor carriers, which, unlike large carriers, may not benefit from modern vehicle-routing techniques because of the lack of technical capabilities to implement such methods or financial power to buy expensive vehicle-routing software products. Since the majority of motor carriers are small in many places (especially in the United States and Europe), it is important that we help this particular segment of the trucking industry (small carriers) reduce their environmental impacts if we wish to minimize the overall impacts of the industry. Computational testing shows that our method not only cuts fuel consumption and pollutant emission, but also reduces road damage.