A brief survey tool was developed to solicit feedback
from a group of randomly selected suppliers. The
suppliers were asked to provide feedback about their
communications with MAAN and the 3PL about
containers shipping and receiving processes. The
responses mirrored many of the concerns and issues that
were addressed in the literature concerning returnable
containers and included shortages of containers at the
suppliers leading to delayed shipments, multiple
handling of products, and increased production delays.