Calls for papers

 

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics

 

Special Issue on: "Container Security and Supply Chain Visibility"

Guest Editors: Dr. Frank Arendt and Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen, Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics, Germany

The strong growth in container transport, bottlenecks in hinterland connections, complex logistics chains consisting of many actors, information gaps as well as new security regulations are all challenges to be managed by industry and administration.

The main factors in today’s international intermodal container transport, logistics and security have to take into account different objectives followed by different stakeholders and sometimes leading to contradictory strategies.

Different measures, such as the introduction of the ISPS code in 2004 and the C-TPAT programme in the US, enhance the security in parts of the international intermodal chain, but a worldwide approach covering the chain from origin to destination is still missing. A further important step towards secure operators is the EU Customs Code with its AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) approach and the related mutual recognition with other certification programmes.

Several approaches focus on methodologies, processes and technological solutions creating supply chain visibility, making the whole transport chain performance more reliable and predictable. Major “clients” of the approach are the commercial participants in the chain (3PLs, cargo owners, exporters, transport and port operators) and authorities (mainly Customs), ideally creating a win-win situation for both of these groups.

This special issue focuses on innovative concepts and visions about how security and optimisation of logistics processes, which create real supply chain visibility, can be obtained in the best possible and acceptable way. Contributions may focus on one issue (e.g. a technological solution) or – preferably - on a complete picture of future procedures. Therefore, the presentation of different scenarios for possible developments and roadmaps is envisaged.

Subject Coverage
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, areas of container security in intermodal supply chains such as:

• Management of risks and uncertainty
• Technological security systems (container security devices, scanners, etc.)
• IT platforms
• Role of Customs Authorities
• Future security processes
• Future processes between industry and administrations, benefits and win-win situations
• Special requirements of specific trade lanes
• Cost-benefit analysis

Notes for Prospective Authors

Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.

All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available on the Author Guidelines page

Important Dates

Full paper due: 31 December, 2009 (extended)

Notification of acceptance: 28 February, 2010

Final version of the paper due: 31 May, 2010