Date of Award

9-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Abstract

This research effort used the benchmarking process and a case study methodology to determine what the Air Force can learn from commercial air cargo carriers. A literature search showed that the U.S. air cargo industry leaders are United Parcel Service, Federal Express, Emery Air Freight, Airborne Freight, DHL Airways, and Burlington Air Express. In addition, the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware was chosen as the Air Force representative in the benchmarking study. Observations of air cargo operations and interviews with operational managers or applicable experts familiar with air cargo operations were conducted at each carrier's hub and at Dover AFB. Observations identified that the Air Force can learn from the commercial air cargo carriers in four areas: cargo handling equipment, intransit visibility, operations interface, and safety. Observations and responses to interviews revealed major disparities between the mission of the Air Force and the goals of the industry leaders. Therefore, industry leader practices during surge periods cannot be applied to the Air Force.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LAL-93S-1

DTIC Accession Number

ADA273978

Comments

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Logistics and Acquisitions Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

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