| dc.description.abstract | The study had two major objectives. The first objective sought to investigate the current
empty container logistics management practices by logistics firms in Mombasa. The
second objective was geared to investigate and determine the challenges facing empty
container logistics firms in Mombasa Data was gathered mainly through semi-structured
questionnaires and interviews. Content analysis as a method of data analysis was widely
used in the analysis of the data collected. Charts and Tables were also used in the
presentation and analysis of the data.
The findings of this study have brought out pertinent issues. Through the analysis of the
data collected it was noted that there is a short fall in practices by logistics firms logistics
firms in Mombasa compared to practices found else where in the world and therefore the
potential for improvements largely untapped. It was also found that the customers always
bear the bulk of the costs, even those associated with the logistics firm's inefficiencies.
Several challenges and remedies were identified The empty containers turnaround time
was identified as a key impediment because of poor infrastructural and poor management
and workmanship. Management of empty container fleet was cited as a big challenge in
many empty container logistics firms by many of the respondents. Other challenges
identified include poor handling equipment, Shortage of storage within the port and at the
empty container logistics centers, Long distance between the port and container depots,
High tariffs and fees charged on empty container storage, Lack of a standardized tracking
and security systems, Poor container stacking procedures at the port among others.
The findings and the recommendations of this study will be of great use to the empty
containers logistics players and the policy makers in the future development and
enhancement of the logistics sector in Mombasa. The experiences can also be used in
other regions. | English |
