Empty Container Repositioning from a Theoretical Point of View

Abstract

The repositioning of empty containers is one of the most important tasks in container shipping. The paper discusses the repositioning with non-logistic theories to explain problems between different actors in the supply chain of empty container repositioning. The transaction cost theory explains the conditions under which ocean carriers or exporters have to find a transaction partner or the choice between hierarchy and market. The principal agent theory explains how different actors react in a supply chain and gives advices for contract design. By means of these theories one specific relationship in empty container management is analyzed. With the help of this analysis, advices for later research could be given and a better understanding for problems between the actors could be shown up. The fact that only the relationship between exporter-ocean carrier-railway company is analyzed and not the whole supply chain limit the research. The main contribution is that a research gap in empty container repositioning could be closed, because there is no paper with a theoretical background of new institutional economics.