"Smart Logistics for Dry Cargo

Smart Logistics for Dry Cargo: Enhancing Performance on Ethiopia's Key Trade Corridor by Ayinadis Tilahun Woldetsadik (Dr examines how modern fleet management systems (FMS) and electronic cargo tracking systems (ECTS) can improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of dry cargo transport along Ethiopia's critical Addis Ababa-Djibouti corridor. This corridor handles over 95% of the country's imports and exports, yet suffers from fragmented logistics, poor coordination, and low-quality service.
Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and field observations with 79 transport operator employees, the study demonstrates that implementing FMS and ECTS enhances truck utilization, reduces downtime and operational costs, improves delivery speed, and strengthens cargo security. While adoption remains limited due to high costs and network challenges, the findings highlight the transformative potential of smart logistics technologies. The study concludes with policy recommendations for government and stakeholders to support full-scale implementation and improve the performance of Ethiopia's freight transport sector.