Managing dangerous goods in reverse logistics Addressing the challenges of transporting parcels of dangerous goods in the reverse flow

Abstract

With the meteoric rise of e-commerce, shipments of products containing dangerous goods is extensively increasing. This, along with the easement of return policies that has developed, customers have consequently gained a habit of returning goods more frequently, which puts substantial pressure on the reverse logistics. Due to the inherent capabilities of dangerous goods, it is hard to escape the challenges that follows when dealing with it, especially from a sender with no previous knowledge of dangerous goods. Previous scholars have researched the area of reverse logistics, and transport of dangerous goods, but a gap exist where the two intertwine. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate what challenges exist in the transportation flow of parcels containing dangerous goods in reverse logistics on road, and how these challenges could be addressed. The thesis took on a interpretivist philosophy with a qualitative research method to carry out semi structured interviews, which contributed to important empirical findings from safety advisors, carriers and experts on dangerous goods. Though strict regulations exist concerning transport of dangerous goods on road, challenges have been identified in large extent in concerns to “hidden dangerous goods”, where the sender is simply not aware of correct procedures. In relation to this, challenges that have been identified concern conflicts of interpretation, lack of education and knowledge, problems at pick-up-points, the establishment of new e-commerce retailers and the catch 22 of the private individual. The outcome of the analysis is presented in a desired transportation flow of dangerous goods on road. Lastly, suggestions on how to address and improve the challenges existing in the current reverse flow of parcels containing dangerous goods is provided.