A Study on the Quality Management of Containerised Grains in Asia*

Abstract

To make the best use of the imbalance of container flows between Asia and North America, containers are employed to carry grain cargoes from North America to Asia. Three criteria and nine sub-criteria were used to help control the quality of the grain cargoes shipped in containers. AHP technique is employed through a survey to major containerised grain cargo shippers, consignees, and ocean carriers to measure the degree of importance of the determinants influencing the quality of grains transported by containers. Without appropriate facilities and strategies, containerised grains mildewed easily during ocean voyage. Researching findings provide strategies to effectively reduce the damage rate of containerized grains cargo and improve the quality of the origin of food supply chain. Keywords: Containerized Grain, Quality Management, AHP, Grain Logistics