Shippers’ Changing Priorities in Port Selection Decision – A Survey Analysis Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Abstract

This paper analyzes different criterion that shippers employ in their port selection process. It uses results from a survey conducted on regional shippers from the chemical and life sciences industries that ship full container and LCL cargo of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals westbound (from U.S. east coast to Asia). Using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework and participants’ comparative scores, factors affecting a shipper’s port choice are prioritized. Findings suggest that port congestion and delays on the west coast ports in the U.S. and its effect on shippers’ supply chains have changed their priorities; price and port characteristics are no longer their primary decision factors.