Market segment evaluation and international distribution centers

This paper evaluates the market segmentation of international distribution centers based on shippers' service requirements. The paper's findings suggest that cargo safety was perceived as the most important service attribute, followed by cargo tracing service, inland transportation, and customs clearance. These service attributes were used to classify users of international distribution centers into three segments, namely, consolidation and storage services oriented firms, cargo related services oriented firms, and support services oriented firms. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.