This article examines the current status of logistics alliances between container yard (CY) operators and Korea Railroad (Korail) in rail container transport. Traditionally, CY managers have done an excellent job of maintaining a close partnership with Korail. In Korea's pursuit of competitive advantage, it is increasingly important to identify the reasons for using rail service. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to uncover concrete reasons for the alliance and how those reasons affected the satisfaction level of users. According to this analysis, the most prevalent reason for CY operators using rail service was to dispatch heavy cargo and a large volume of containers. The biggest problems facing rail service users were difficulties making the closing time schedule, low quality of service provided by Korail, and on-time performance failures. In order to effectively manage container rail transport, it is best for Korail to develop specific customer satisfaction programs and reduce the ‘dwell’ time of shipments leaving Busanjin terminal from two days to less than one day. The results of this study have many implications for the future success of Korail, as well as for further investigation into the area of railroad transport.

This article examines the current status of logistics alliances between container yard (CY) operators and Korea Railroad (Korail) in rail container transport. Traditionally, CY managers have done an excellent job of maintaining a close partnership with Korail. In Korea's pursuit of competitive advantage, it is increasingly important to identify the reasons for using rail service. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to uncover concrete reasons for the alliance and how those reasons affected the satisfaction level of users. According to this analysis, the most prevalent reason for CY operators using rail service was to dispatch heavy cargo and a large volume of containers. The biggest problems facing rail service users were difficulties making the closing time schedule, low quality of service provided by Korail, and on-time performance failures. In order to effectively manage container rail transport, it is best for Korail to develop specific customer satisfaction programs and reduce the ‘dwell’ time of shipments leaving Busanjin terminal from two days to less than one day. The results of this study have many implications for the future success of Korail, as well as for further investigation into the area of railroad transport.

logistical alliance, rail container tranport, inland transport