Logistical factors affecting the clearing and Forwarding firms’ performance in Tanzania: evidence from clearing and forwarding firms in Dar es Salaam port.

The study assessed the logistical factors affecting the clearing and forwarding Firms’ Performance in Tanzania at Dar es Salaam Port. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the effect of sources of delays, security and transport system factors on the performance of clearing and forwarding companies at Dar es Salaam Port. The study employed a quantitative approach. Data were collected through questionnaire from 103 employees of clearing and forwarding companies at Dar es Salaam port. Factor analysis and later regression analysis with the aid of SPSS were used to estimate the relationship among variables. The findings of the study indicates that effects of delay factors, security factors and transport system factors on the performance of clearing and forwarding firms are loss of customer trust, increased customer dissatisfaction, decrease of productivity and increase of psychological torture, safe operations, and helping firms to keep their promises to customers. In addition, the study concludes that performance of clearing and forwarding companies in Dar es Salaam port is negatively related with delay factors and positively related with transport system factors. From the findings, it is therefore recommended that clearing and forwarding firms to play advocacy role on the government of the United Republic of Tanzania so that sources of delays, security and problems associated with the transportation system in Dar es Salaam port are eliminated to enhance their performance. In addition, the study recommends directors inculcate culture of transparency and keeping promises to customers.