Enhancing vehicle utilization via a mobile application within the courier industry in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Supply Change Management at Massey University, College of Sciences, School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2015
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Massey University
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Abstract
In the New Zealand transport sector, the Owner-Operator is an indispensable part of
Logistics industry. Most couriers and road freight companies Owner-Operators as
independent contractors for delivery service. Hence, the vehicle utilization of
Owner-Operators might directly influence the profitability and service quality of
couriers companies as well as their personal incomes. With respect to the inefficient
vehicle utilization, it normally represents as underutilized capacities of part-load
shipments, empty movements or idle time.
In conducting the qualitative research, the researcher has interviewed thirty respondents
who consist of Owner-Operators and Operations team staff. According to the relevant
qualitative data, the research found that the inefficient activities, such as empty run,
unpaired shipments and part load shipments are principally caused by unsteady delivery
frequency, lack of business acquisition opportunities and small time window. These
causes provide mobile technology with a significant potential to enhance the vehicle
efficiency. A Logistical Mobile Application, which is installed in a smart phone or
portable electronic devices, offers a cost-effective and real-time information exchange
platform between customers and service providers.
From the perspectives of respondents, Owner-Operators believe that the mobile app is a
new trend of integrating the functions of scanner, GPS and pager. Furthermore, around
ninety percent of them perceive that it is a useful tool for improving the vehicle
utilization and incomes. However, although the respondents have relatively positive
attitudes on this new technology and business model, there are some constraints of its
practical effect, due to the boundary and policy of the companies, as well as the
population density of New Zealand.
KEYWORDS:Mobile Commerce, Mobile App, Owner-Operators, Vehicle Utilization,
Logistics Management
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Express service, Courier industry, Automation, Management, New Zealand, Mobile apps, Mobile commerce, Owner-operators, Vehicle utilization, Logistics management, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Business and economics::Business studies