Food for Thought in the Transportation Carrier-Selection Decision

Risk-mitigating carrier-selection criteria are identified in order to improve the safety and the quality of modern food supply chains. Our primary objectives are to prompt shippers to consider transportation carrier qualities that will facilitate and secure food safety, identify industry standards that will reduce risk in food supply chains, and enable carriers to differentiate themselves through risk management characteristics. Drawing on US government guidelines, practitioner publications, and academic literature, we offer transportation carrier-selection criteria factors based on best practices in food supply chain management. These risk-mitigating -selection criteria include traceability, transparency, testability, time, trustworthiness, and training. Several food supply chain disasters are identified to demonstrate the critical role that carriers play in minimizing risks and responding to disruptions. Managerial implications and future research opportunities are also identified.