Research method
Since, the study involves the identification of barriers to free trade, we use an exploratory
research design in this study. The research design consists of semi-structured interviews
with the LSPs and related firms (such as trade associations).
Semi-structured questionnaire design
Based on the studies conducted by ISEAS (1985), Sidorenko and Findlay (2003), PDP
Australia Pty Ltd and Meyrick and Associates (2005) and USITC (2005), we developed
an inventory of barriers to free trade in the logistics services sector. This inventory of
barriers served as the guideline for the semi-structured interviews with various
players in the logistics supply chain. The semi-structured questionnaire was sent
to the interviewees prior to the interview. The following categories of barriers were
discussed during the interview: