The challenge and adoption of green initiatives for transport and logistics service providers

Purpose: The role of logistics service providers (LSPs) has started to change both when it comes to content and complexity and LSPs have been identified to have potential to become more value-adding actors in supply chains. This applies when LSPs begin to transform their operations and strategy to become more effective from a green perspective. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop a base for further investigations of green initiatives carried out by LSPs and analyse if the green initiatives implemented are dependent on firm characteristics of the LSPs, as well as drivers and barriers experienced. Research approach: A questionnaire survey has been launched and it is still ongoing. The survey investigates a sample of LSPs operating on the Swedish and the Italian market. The questionnaire is derived from the researchers' earlier research projects based on case studies and literature reviews. Data and information collected through the questionnaire allow identifying current and future green initiatives, influencing factors (drivers and barriers) and firm characteristics. The analysis suggests how these dimensions depend on each other. Findings and Originality: The survey is still ongoing and the paper will present the first results of the research. The first results discern different green initiatives and the type of drivers and barriers affecting these companies. Prior research has focused on the perspective of the buyer of green logistics services and little attention has been paid to the role of green initiatives in the strategy of LSPs, their impact on customer relationship and performance, the role of ICT as well as drivers and barriers affecting such initiatives. Research impact: The expected contribution of this paper is to illustrate and give a deeper knowledge of how LSPs respond to changing market conditions when it comes to green pressures from society. This study may provide a broad base for further research on LSPs' continued strategy development and adaption to future green requirements both from customers and government. Practical impact: The paper will describe the way LSPs have started to adopt and manage green initiatives into their operations. Furthermore, the study will also provide a deeper understanding among practitioners of how logistics green services can be approached and also what drives and inhibits that process.