Analysis of the logistics intermediaries choice methods in the supply chains

Abstract

The increase of the supply chains efficiency requires optimization of all types of logistic operations and functions. One of such functions is the choice of intermediaries (carriers, freight forwarders, suppliers, service enterprises etc.) and, according to some specialists, it is a major strategic decision in management supply chains. The methods of choosing the logistic intermediaries are considered in many works, however, some questions remain debatable. The article discusses the analytical and expert approaches which serve as a basis to choose the intermediaries; along with it, in the article a comparative evaluation of choice expert methods is done: point-rating assessment, analytic hierarchy process and the general algorithm for selecting; the conclusions have been drawn about the applicability of each method.