Masters Degrees (Logistics)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Logistics) by Subject "Apples -- Transportation -- South Africa"

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    Determining the viability of apple transportation without refrigeration in a domestic supply chain : a case study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Waldek, Alex Vernon; Goedhals-Gerber, Leila Louise; Freiboth, Heinrich Wilhelm; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Logistics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: There is a growing concern in South African cold chains linked to the ever-increasing cost of domestic distribution. Several logistics cost components, such as rising vehicle operating costs due to the increase in fuel price, have forced local cold chains to explore innovative transportation solutions to reduce the financial impact of these external pressures. The concern was so significant that Company X, a pome fruit distributor, prompted an investigation into the reduction of refrigerated transport expenditure in the apple supply chain. The study sought to investigate whether domestic apple transportation without refrigeration is a viable option in South Africa. The objective was to compare the ability of refrigerated and non-refrigerated trucks to maintain an acceptable ambient temperature. Should pulp temperatures be able to meet quality control standards without refrigeration, then non refrigerated truck alternatives could be a viable option to reduce Company X’s road freight expenditure. Primary quantitative data was collected through temperature trials that were conducted over the distribution route between the packhouse in the Western Cape and the cold storage facility in Gauteng. The trials took place over the months June to October in 2021 using temperature monitoring devices placed on both the internal and external body of the truck. Secondary quantitative data was gathered by collecting data from similar trials conducted over the same route in 2019, classifying the research as a longitudinal study. Historical weather data from the National Weather Service in conjunction with geospatial tracking reports received from transporters allowed the research to determine the weather conditions per truck location. The study measured the level of resistance of three different truck alternatives, namely: cooled refrigerated, uncooled refrigerated and tautliner. This was done by calculating the difference in external and internal temperatures recorded along the route. In addition, pulp measurements were analyzed upon arrival at the cold storage facility to determine whether or not internal Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were met. The research provided key insights into the durability of apples in the presence of unfavourable conditions. Despite the increase in internal truck temperatures associated with low levels of truck insulation, internal pulp KPIs were able to be met using non-refrigerated transport alternatives. The study proved that non-refrigerated transportation should be considered as a viable option in local apple cold chains. This strategy has the potential to reduce both transportation costs and carbon emissions within the supply chain.