Evaluation of bulk and packaged distribution strategies in a specialty chemical company

A logistics cost model is developed for a chemical distribution system from a single plant using bulk and packaged transportation strategies. The purpose of this research is to provide a tool that helps understand the cost trade offs in the operation of a logistics system at a strategic level for large scale systems and complex distribution systems. An analytical modeling approach was used to determine variables that define transportation, storage and material handling costs in the system. Several distribution strategies were evaluated and benchmarked in terms of costs against the current. Savings offered by the packaged distribution system for a single plant were marginal; extension of the current model to evaluate cost reduction opportunities across the complete network of plants and distribution centers is proposed for further research effort.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Hernández López, José Joaquín, 1974-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• James Masters.

• Engineering Systems Division.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29531

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/29531