Logistics service provider

If the distributor does not play an important role in terms of value-added and customer access, a direct disintermediation approach may be advisable. Such a strategy is unlikely to lead to complete elimination of the distributor, since chemical producers will not want to build capabilities speciBcaUy for the complex supply chain management of small customers. However, the distributor s role will change more to that of a logistics service provider. The approach of some of the consortia remains to be seen here. 

Safety performance of carriers and other logistics service providers... 

Identification of key stakeholders (e.g., vendors, logistic service providers (LSPs), emergency resporrse providers, cnstomers)... 

Need to communicate list of approved carriers and logistics service providers to ensure low-cost providers are not utilized without understanding the potential impacts to the operations risk profile... 

Likehhood of Adversary Attack Likehhood of Adversary Success Logistic Service Provider... 

Hence, a chemical s SC can be defined as all (business) units and processes involved in the production and distribution of this chemical. FVom this point of view, chemical production networks of large-scaled chemical companies are major parts of the SCs of many chemicals. A particular property of chemical SCs is that a comparatively small number of independent companies is involved in the SC. This is because chemical companies are often deeply integrated, i.e. many subsequent production steps are processed by a chemical company. On the supply side, raw material suppliers such as oil-producing companies and refineries are to be taken into account. Moreover, logistical service providers managing transport and distribution processes play a vital role in chemical SCs. 

Representing an essential function to trade, logistics is a complex system made up of a multitude of players and interrelationships between suppliers, manufacturers, logistic service providers and the retailers whose job it is to deliver to the end user the product or service required under the best economic, social and environmental conditions. Meanwhile, its impact on the environment is important because of the many forms of pollution generated by road transport the major delivery mode used today. The transport sector consumes 70% of all petrol consumed in the EU and produces 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it is well recognized that transport is the very life blood of a modern economy and its effects go far beyond the direct economic effects of employment and the added value of the transport sector in an economy. 

The 4-tier post-sale reverse logistics network presented in this study consists of production plants, repair facilities, collection centers, and disposal centers (Fig. 26.1). A third party logistics service provider (3PL) is responsible for providing... 

Safety and quality assessment systems enable chemical companies to have the quality and safety management systems of their logistics service providers assessed in a uniform manner, thereby avoiding multiple assessments by individual chemical companies. The results of an SQAS assessment carried out by an independent body do not lead to a certificate but are used by an individual chemical company to evaluate the performance of service providers... 

M questions represent basic safety requirements that should be met by all logistics service providers. They cover items that are a statutory requirement in most countries in Europe, but not necessarily in all countries. 

I questions refer to good industry practices according to which the chemical industry requires its logistics service providers to act. 

In responding to a request from chemical companies, the logistics service provider usually contracts an independent qualified assessor to carry out an SQAS assessment and become familiar with the appropriate SQAS package. 

The assessor carries out the assessment, producing a factual, signed and dated report, which is supplemented with eventual comments from the logistics service provider. The report does not give recommendations for improvement nor does it constitute a certificate. 

Depending on the SQAS package involved, the logistics service provider supplies, at his or her discretion, a copy of the report to any requesting chemical company or agrees that the assessment data can he accessed from a central database. 

The individual chent evaluates the factual assessment results against his or her own requirements and agrees with the logistics service provider on priorities for continuous improvement. 

The logistics service provider arranges for periodic reassessment. 

Unless mentioned otherwise, e.g., marine bulk, tank storage terminals, the chemical industry considers that all aspects of the service provided by a logistics service provider should undergo a full SQAS assessment every three years. It is left to the discretion of the logistics service provider to arrange for intermediate follow-up assessments, e.g., in accordance with ISO 9000 procedures. 

Availability of adequate and regularly tested emergency response plans (with the logistics service provider as well as with the chemical company)... 

An element in the selection of logistics service providers, as SQAS assessment results allow a chemical company to benchmark them according to specific safety and quality requirements... 

It is absolutely essential that feedback be given to the SQAS-assessed logistics service provider in such a way that both parties agree upon priorities and targets for any action to rectify deficiencies or to implement improvements. This fundamental objective of continual improvement is a shared issue and requires input and commitment from both parties. Consequently, this joint effort will be mutually beneficial and lead to a productive partnership. Even before being requested, responsible logistics service providers may send a copy of the assessment results to their major chemical customers. 

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