A qualitative study on local circuit distribution firms in the haulage contractor industry

Abstract: Haulage contractors are companies that are responsible for delivery of goods with use of trucks and vans. Previous research focus more on the haulage contractor industry in general. This study focuses on what challenges the haulage contractor industry is facing from the view of managers working in local area distribution in Sweden. We also examine what key tools and solutions are used to meet the challenges the industry is facing and what are the reasoning behind these actions.   We propose two research questions. The first question is what challenges the Swedish haulage contractor industry is facing. The second examines what strategies and tools are used by management to adapt to changes in the industry. The study is based on 5 interviews with management in haulage contractor firms and 2 interviews with representatives from industry organizations, for a total of 7 interviews. The interviews were qualitative and performed over phone and face-to-face. By analyzing interviews using thematic analysis we find that the ownership, age and size of a firm impact how it adapts to changes. The adaptation is among others in terms of investments in technologies and collaboration. Another finding is that the industry representatives perceive that customers and legislators do not understand the crucial role the haulage contractor industry plays in the economy which has its negative impacts on the industry.