Logistics Management: Issues, Solutions, and Government Role

This report discusses the issues in logistics management in Sydney, including container safety, road and rail connectivity, environmental concerns, and constant changes in regulations. It provides possible solutions to these issues and highlights the role of the government in solving them. The government plays a crucial role in planning and managing ports, formulating rules and regulations, providing assistance to private companies, addressing environmental concerns, and analyzing future development.

Logistics ManagementLogistics Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................1
Issue in logistic system in Sydney..........................................................................................1
Possible solutions for these identified issue...........................................................................3
The role of government in solving issues...............................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Logistic management is a significant part of supply chain management of goods and
services in a particular area in an effective manner (Ghobadian, Stainer. and Liu, 2016). Mainly
transportation consider in this which helps to manager supplies in that particular area where
demands are higher. Planning, control and implementation are key elements of this management
which helps to move goods and services to from production house to needed place. Each and
every city is having their geographical condition and settlement of city is according to
geographical conditions so transportation has to be appropriate accordingly. Government and
bigger organisations plays an important role in this which supports to accomplish the needs of
people. This report is based on the logistics of Sydney city of NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
Australia and this research will provide main issue involved in logistic management in NSW.
This report will provide possible solutions, role of government in this betterment and how it will
sustain for a longer time.
(Source: LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT. 2017.)
Main Body
Issue in logistic system in Sydney
Logistic is having a need to manage and control supplies of each and every type of
products and services. Most of the big companies are having their own logistics management
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Illustration 1: Types of logistics.

and supply chain management. Sydney is a city where many types of issue are found in their
logistics which are described under here;
Container safety, compliance and risk management: It is major issue which has found
in the logistics management in the Sydney. There are many ports in this city where containers
loaded and unloaded, so height is major factor which is a type of risk during this procedure.
Another thing is that there are many bridges on rivers and height of containers has to be
appropriate and according to heights of bridge. It is essential that weight of containers has to be
appropriate according to allowed weight. Transportation of these containers in the city area is
also fully risky because these containers are not appropriately packed (What are some of the
biggest challenges facing intermodal in Australia today? 2015.). There are many areas where
lower height railway bridges are located on roads which are a cause of road accident of loaded
trucks. There are many cases found of these types of accident so it is essential to work on it
which can help to reduce these accidents. Service supply chain is affecting by these types of
cases because most of the companies are using online business and they are having their online
customers which hopes that their deliveries of products will be on right time and place.
Railway and road connectivity: It is a significant part of supply chain management in the
Sydney because most of the transportation of goods and services are based on it (De Gruyter. and
Currie, 2016). Traffic is a major issue in this because many times trucks and delivery vans got
stuck in traffic jam which is cause of delays in products and services. It breakdown the
consistency in the accomplishing demands of people living in Sydney. Many of products and
services are provided through the rail network in the Sydney which is good as compare to the
road network but some times due to technical errors trains get delayed by a time (Top 3 Issues
Facing the Trucking Industry. 2015.). So it is essential to work on it to reduce the effect of these
issues on supply chain management of goods and services to maintain a flow of supplies in each
and every area of city.
Environmental issue: This is an issue which has arisen by the social workers and
environmentalist because all logistic system is creating a negative impact on the environment. It
is essential to protect environment in which we lives but it is also significant that all demands has
to be accomplish. Most of the environmentalist has arise their voice against the global warming
issue due to carbonic emission thorough the transportation vehicles. Carbonic pollution is
creating an adverse impact on the nature and Ozone layer which is a biggest cause of increasing
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temperature of earth. Also there some rules and regulations are made by the government which
are impacting on the logistics chains ion the Sydney.
Lack of trained and skilled people: This is an another issue that most of the people which
are working in this sector are not fully trained and skilled which is harming on logistics
management (Jossec. and Shanahan, 2015). Deliveries of goods and services is must on right
time and place and most of the people especially drivers are not fully educated and skilled to
work better. Time management, risk management and significance of deliveries are not used and
understood by these people which is main cause that also supplies got delayed. Drivers are not
skilled and educated which is main cause that they does not follow rules and regulations of
government, it founds many times that trucks and delivery vans got seized due to lack of legal
papers of carrying goods so it is essential that all drivers has to be aware for their legal
formalities and route map.
Constant change in regulations: Government wants to improve their logistical
management so they are making regular changes in their rules and regulations. But it is also
making an adverse impact on the logistical because most of the companies which are working in
the services sectors has to make initial changes in their working manner accordingly. Regular
changes in the regulations are creating a confusion in the logistical industry to follow rules.
Possible solutions for these identified issue
Now it is essential to find out possible solutions on these above identified issue which
can help to manage an appropriate flow and consistency in the supply chain management in
whole Sydney. Some of the solutions are here to reduce the impact of these issues from the
logistical management;
Monitoring and sign boards: Monitoring is an appropriate solution for these identified
problem, technological monitoring is effective in height and weight of containers. It has to be on
ports where they can unload exceed height of containers from ship (Guo. and Masulis, 2015).
They have to use appropriate trucks to put containers according to weight and height. To reduce
the road accidents from railway under pass, government has to put laser before these bridges
which can help to measure the height of truck to go from railway underpass safely.
Use of mini delivery vans: To avoid high traffic from main roads, government has to
pressure to use of mini delivery vans which has to use streets which can help to government and
as well as manufacturer companies to manage their supplied effectively. These mini delivery
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vans can easily move in streets and cover a large area in a day to maintain a consistency in the
supply of products and services in their targeted areas.
(Source: SAME DAY COURIER SYDNEY. 2013.)
Technical advancement: To reduce train delays government has to use technologies
which can help to them in monitoring of tracks and trains situations. Also they have to use
technology in the engine maintenance which can help to them to get effective results and manage
supplies in their targeted areas effectively.
Use of environment friendly vehicles: Environmental issues can be resolved by using
environment friendly vehicles which can help to reduce the pollution in the Sydney and other
areas (Fagnant. and Kockelman, 2014). Government has to prefer to use electronic trains which
can help to them to reduce pollution. They have to use aerodynamic trains which can help to
them to increase the use of energy in covering a long distance. Government has to support
electronic vehicles which can help to them to reduce pollution in the city area. They have to use
electronic delivery vans, trucks and buses in the transportation of goods, services and people
from origin point to their destination. These can help to reduce carbonic emission and pollution
in Sydney and related areas.
Training sessions: Government has to provide training to unskilled drivers which can
help to them be skilled. They have to provide them information about legal formalities which has
to be done by them during supply of goods and services. Government has to conduct these
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Illustration 2: Mini Delivery Vans.

training session with logistical companies which can help to them to provide an appropriate
trainings. Government has to give time and risk management training also to them to drive
timely and safely.
Effective changes in regulations quarterly: Government has to implement changes
quarterly to reduce the impact of regular changes in the government rules and regulations. This
can help to people which are working in the logistical industry to adopts all of these changes.
The role of government in solving issues
The government plays an vital role in sorting out various issues that can hamper
transportation and logistics in new south whales. It is essential for the companies to understand
that it is the authorities and people chosen representatives who derive plans as well as regulations
regarding logistical changes in an area. There are different issues that keep coming up due to
dynamic changes in supply chains transportation sector. These days governments are investing in
the facilities which are not traditionally made or provided by public sector organisations
(Colander. and Kupers, 2014). They are focusing on providing supporting in form of finance,
construction and operational assistance. Also today ,government is on path of privatising some
public owned properties such as airports, ports, highways. This would assist it in cutting down
expenditure while enhancing infrastructure with the help of private entities.
There are four major issues which are identified in the report. It is not possible for single
entity in the market to solve each and every problem on its own and this is where the importance
of government increases. It is the system that formulates various polices and plans that addressed
variables and brings in consistency in environment. Though, the decision making is slow and
complex but it has very vital, as it would provide finance as well as guidance to different
companies working in the sector. The identified issues are as follows:
 Container safety, compliance and risk management
 Railways and road connectivity
 Environmental permissions.
 Constant changes in rules causing resource wastage.
These four issues are there in NSW (Sydney) intermodal for logistics which can not be
addressed without the interference of government. There are different ways in which various
agencies and authorities will be involved in the process. They are highlighted below:
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 Planning and management of Ports: Different facilities are planned by government as
to enhance the storage and smooth-en up movement of containers that are being shipped
at a 24*7 duration (Bichou, 2014). A plan for growing Sydney is being prepared which
focuses on government role in developing the city into a futuristic place. The prime
concentration is on three area's, housing, communities, economy (transportation and
Logistics) and environment.
 Rules and regulations related to Logistics: There are different types of polices which
are being formed to standardise services in transportation sector. These assist in
safeguarding assets as well as containers. Also, the people working in this sector are also
assisted by these plans. The working hours is limited and any overtime has to be
compensated by the company. Trade Practices Act 1974 states that all activities should
run as per the fair treatment plans. Also, there is Australian Logistics Council which look
at various activities taking place in the sector.
 Consistency by assistance: Government of area provides assistance to the private
companies as to ensure that any major changes do not hamper their ability to serve. It is
provides effective managerial advice as well as solutions to management as to adopt
changes.
 Environmental concern: It is the government which plays an active role in the
development of facilities but it can not give permission to every project that has higher
level of cost to environment (Gifford. and Nilsson, 2014). At present, Australia is far
behind in this sector but it has to focus its resources for boosting its image as a
sustainable country. Analysis for Futuristic development: The government is the sole body which has
enough resources to analyse market and global trends as to prepare nation for future. It
uses different agencies and ensures that all aspects are covered, such as, environment,
communities, economy and people.
Primary role of Government in Logistics and Freight management
(Summary)
The government plays following roles:
 Various infrastructure projects, investment in ports, railways, inland waterways, airports
and highways.
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 Operation management of all the facilities.
 Financing and taxation, it is only way of collecting revenue for government. It can only
provide services when it will have resources.
 Regulation: There are different polices and rules which are made to impact6 intermodal
freight. Such as, zoning, wetlands preservation, other environmental policies, roadways,
tolls, truck unions, etc (McKinnon. Whiteing. and Piecyk, 2015).
 The government is also involved in conducting research, collecting information,
planning and educating people about various environmental and technical area's.
These activities assist in improving decision making and allows private and public entities in
growing.
The government is playing a major role in sorting out issues while addressing the main
factors that will assist in developing city for future. Today, the crisis management is done by the
government in partnership with private companies. Australia is in a phase where it is considered
to be a second highest median income country. Though the poverty rate has increase from 10.8 to
11.5% in last two years but the nation is still generating higher GDP against its population. But
the issue for which Australia is criticised for is its environmental emissions. There are no plans
prepared by the government to limit the over consumption of resources. Thought there is protest
related to this, such as, Carmichael coal mines which is proposed in Queensland is considered to
be a project which has higher environmental cost (Ghaderi, Cahoon. and Fei, 2015). The overall
issues is that these type of projects are important for economic growth but they are harmful for
environment. With the mines, a network of railway and roads will be made which will also add
on to total harm to surroundings.
Sustainability is becoming more important as there are visible effects of global warming.
Also, it is a concept which would assist government in reducing poverty while enhancing living
standards. The new plan for Sydney is completely reliant on 4 criteria which are
People
Their health and
safety.
Communities
Overall development
of social classes.
Economy
Better facilities
development and
transportation
Environment
Sustainable
development and
consumption of
resources.
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Government is trying hard to improve its image in international arena. It is investing also
of resources to display that it is concerned for environment. The core of every project is being
taken as a cost that will be incurred on ecological side.
CONCLUSION
The above presented report has been concluded about the logistical needs of the Sydney,
consistency is an essential thing in the supplies which can help to accomplish needs of people in
a particular time. Traffic jam is most affective problem in managing regularity in supplies which
has found in the transportation by road in Sydney. Some possible solutions are given in this
research on identified issues which can help to manage supply chain management in Sydney.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bichou, K., 2014. Port operations, planning and logistics. CRC Press.
Colander, D. and Kupers, R., 2014. Complexity and the art of public policy: Solving society's
problems from the bottom up. Princeton University Press.
De Gruyter, C. and Currie, G., 2016. Impacts of Rail-Road Crossings: International Synthesis
and Research Gaps. In Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting (No. 16-
1588).
Fagnant, D.J. and Kockelman, K.M., 2014. The travel and environmental implications of shared
autonomous vehicles, using agent-based model scenarios. Transportation Research Part
C: Emerging Technologies. 40. pp.1-13.
Ghaderi, H., Cahoon, S. and Fei, J., 2015. Improving the quality of rail freight services by
managing the time-based attributes: the case of non-bulk rail network in Australia.
World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research. 5(3). pp.203-220.
Ghobadian, A., Stainer, A. and Liu, J., 2016. A computerised vendor rating system. In
Developments in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (pp. 103-112). Palgrave
Macmillan UK.
Gifford, R. and Nilsson, A., 2014. Personal and social factors that influence pro‐environmental
concern and behaviour: A review. International Journal of Psychology. 49(3). pp.141-
157.
Guo, L. and Masulis, R.W., 2015. Board structure and monitoring: New evidence from CEO
turnovers. The Review of Financial Studies. 28(10). pp.2770-2811.
Jossec, G. and Shanahan, O., 2015, September. Training the Logisticians of the Future: skill
implications of technological changes in the Transport and Logistics industry. In
Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF), 37th, 2015, Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia.
McKinnon, A., Whiteing, A. and Piecyk, M. eds., 2015. Green logistics: Improving the
environmental sustainability of logistics. Kogan Page Publishers.
Online
Top 3 Issues Facing the Trucking Industry. 2015. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.odysseylogistics.com/top-3-issues-facing-the-trucking-industry/>.
[Accessed on 21 September 2017].
What are some of the biggest challenges facing intermodal in Australia today? 2015. [Online].
Available through: <https://www.informa.com.au/insight/what-are-some-of-the-biggest-
challenges-facing-intermodal-in-australia-today/>. [Accessed on 21 September 2017].
LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.all-
brokerage.com/index.php/services/logistics-management>. [Accessed on 21 September
2017].
SAME DAY COURIER SYDNEY. 2013. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.gologistics.com.au/sydney-courier-services/online-tracking>. [Accessed
on 21 September 2017].
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