A Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for the Selection of Courier Service Providers: An Empirical Study from Shippers' Perspective in Taiwan

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) model to support decisions on the selection of a suitable courier service provider (CSP). The emphasis of the systematic appraisal employed in the evaluation process is on trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and linguistic values characterised by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, as well as the graded mean integration representation method. An empirical study with four alternatives, that is, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Taiwan Post Office, is designed to demonstrate the FMCDM algorithm. Study results show that UPS and Taiwan Post Office are the best and worst CSPs, based on shippers' perceptions in Taiwan. Maritime Economics & Logistics (2005) 7, 250–261. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100135