Factors Affecting on-Time Customs Clearance in Disaster Relief: Evidence from Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Customs Clearance Agents
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study sought to investigate factors affecting on time custom clearance performance evidence from selected freight forwarding and clearing agents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative research approach along with an explanatory research design was adopted. The survey was conducted on the population of professional staff from selected freight forwarding companies namely DHL Ethiopia, Kuehne + Nagel (K+N), United Parcel Service (UPS), and DB Schenker. A sample of 297 valid and usable responses was collected from targeted respondents. Stratified random sampling techniques were applied to select the respondents from each stratum. Primary data were collected through a self administered questionnaire. A multiple linear regression inferential analysis was adopted to examine the relationship between the identified factors and their effects on the performance of on time custom clearance of disaster relief goods with the help of the SPSS 25.0 application. The results of the findings revealed that all the five factors namely documentation, tariff classification, valuation, risk assessment and staff competency have positive and significant effect on on time custom clearance of emergency responses during disasters. More specifically, Staff competency and custom valuation have the highest contribution while risk assessment does the least. The smooth delivery of emergency relief goods substantially depends on the competency of both border clearing and freight forwarding bodies as they play significant role in facilitating prompt expedition of emergency relief aid. Freight forwards should collaborate and coordinate with custom clearing officials, particularly during emergency, to assure the on time delivery of the emergency responses to the right beneficiaries at the right place.
Keywords: Custom Clearance, Disaster Areas, Freight Forwarders, Emergency Response, Relief Goods,