Contribution of transport management to logistics efficiency of armed forces' duty-free shops in Uganda: A case of Defence Forces Shop, Bombo

Abstract

The study assessed the contribution of Transportation Management to Logistics Efficiency of Armed Forces’ Duty Free Shops in Uganda; A case of Defence Forces Shop Bombo. Specific objectives included; to examine the contribution of transport resource management, assess the contribution of traffic flow and congestion management and to find out the contribution of use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in vehicle operations management, all to Logistics efficiency. A Case study design, specifically cross sectional survey design, was used. The study found out that; transport resource management positively influenced logistics efficiency through driver management practices which had a bearing on driver productivity, cost per driver used, and vehicle utilization and time utilization. It was concluded that there is a positive relationship between transport resource management and logistics efficiency. The study Recommended among others: improving driver working conditions, and motivating drivers better. Traffic congestion had a bearing on delivery times and caused up to 6% cost of logistics delivery, increased driver per hour payment. It was discovered that amidst other causes of delay, traffic congestion was to blame for 23% of delayed time. It increased transit times, reduced number of trips per driver per day hence low driver productivity, reduced distance and speed per vehicle per day hence delayed deliveries, and affected vehicle asset utilization and extended staff working hours. The study deduced that, time compression of logistics activities caused by traffic flow and congestion management approaches used and subsequent disruptions had a trivial causal –effect contribution to logistics costs and time of delivery, it was seen to be only an amplifier of other causes of delay. It was recommended that management need to factor traffic flow and congestion management in transport planning and improve communication in transportation network. The use of ICT in vehicle operations management positively contributed to logistics efficiency. Vehicle tracking, tracing and communication gadgets improved information sharing, vehicle visibility and manpower management, reducing on transit times, increased vehicle asset utilization and manpower utilization.. The study recommended ICT compliance and telematics training, research and development.