An Algorithm for Consolidating Small Shipments to Reduce Costs in International Logistics for E-commerce Businesses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijscl.2336Keywords:
Shipment Consolidation, Cost Optimization, E-Commerce Logistics, International Freight, Cluster-Based Algorithms, Supply Chain Efficiency, Container Utilization, Cross-Docking.Abstract
Purpose: This article presents an algorithm designed to optimize the consolidation of small shipments, aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency in international logistics for e-commerce businesses. The research focuses on the highly trafficked route between China and the USA, particularly the corridor from Shenzhen to Los Angeles.
Methodology: By employing a cluster-based optimization model, the algorithm consolidates goods from multiple e-commerce companies into single containers, maximizing space utilization and minimizing transportation costs.
Findings: Experimental data reveals a 40% reduction in costs and a 10-day decrease in delivery times compared to traditional methods.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The algorithm has the potential as a scalable solution for global supply chain logistics.
Downloads
References
Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.
Coyle, John J., et al. (2021). Supply chain management: a logistics perspective. Cengage Learning.
Fernie, J., & Sparks, L. (Eds.). (2018). Logistics and retail management: emerging issues and new challenges in the retail supply chain. Kogan page publishers.
Gocomet (2024). Top 15 Biggest and Busiest Ports in the World in 2024. URL: https://www.gocomet.com/blog/top-15-busiest-ports-in-the-world-gocomet/
Harrison, A., Skipworth, H., van Hoek, R. I., & Aitken, J. (2019). Logistics management and strategy. Pearson UK.
Heizer, J., Render, B. & Munson, C. (2020).Operations management: sustainability and supply chain management. Pearson.
ModiLoud (2024). 37 Amazon Statistics for 2024 (Order Volume, Market Share, Amazon Prime and More). URL: https://www.mobiloud.com/blog/amazon- statistics
Sheffi, Y. (2005). The Resilient Enterprise: Overcoming Vulnerability for Competitive Advantage. MIT Press.
Tinak, R. (2023). 7 Biggest Challenges for E-Commerce Logistics and Fulfillment Centers. Fullfillment Europe. URL: https://www.fulfillmenteurope.com/biggest-challenges-ecommerce-logistics-fulfillment-centers/
van Gelder, K. (2024). E-commerce worldwide - statistics & facts. Statista.com. URL: https://www.statista.com/topics/871/online-shopping/
Wang, Y. (2016). Analysis of the Current Situation and Prospects of Rural Logistics in the Context of E-Commerce. Science and Technology Innovation and Application, 32. 280-282.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Igor Tovstolis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.