Honors Theses
Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
BS
Faculty Mentor
Peter D. Simmonson, Ph.D.
Advisor(s)
Alan F. Chow, Ph.D.
Abstract
This thesis investigates the economic, operational, and community impacts of third-party equipment repair at a local container terminal in Mobile, Alabama. The terminal handles containers, chassis, reefers, and gensets, and it has implemented a 15% markup policy on modernized parts to replace outdated components. The research explores how third-party repair functions as a value-added service, supporting operational reliability, enhancing local employment opportunities, and sustaining supply chain continuity.
Data were collected through port performance metrics, repair logs, semistructured interviews with terminal staff, local business owners, and consumers, and public economic indicators. Findings indicate that modernization and repair initiatives improve equipment uptime by approximately 12% and reduce emergency repairs by 20%, while marginally affecting downstream consumer prices by an average of 0.3%. The study highlights both the benefits and challenges of third-party repair. It provides evidence-based recommendations for policy and operational strategies that optimize terminal efficiency and minimize negative impacts on local consumers.
Recommended Citation
Norton, Mallory E., "Third-Party Equipment Repair at a Local Container Terminal: Economic, Operational, and Community Impacts" (2025). Honors Theses. 124.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/124