Effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the safety of transport companies operation

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the scale of the problem caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding road freight transport and ensuring continuity and security of the supply chain. It presents statistics on the dynamics of changes in demand for transport services in Poland and the break-up of international supply chains. The results of research concerning the activity of a transport company operating in the food industry and changes in its structure that occurred during the pandemic are presented. Design/Methodology/Approach: The following research methods were used to achieve the aim of the article. The direct interview method was used to collect data on the current situation of the investigated transport company. The analysis of transport orders before the outbreak of the pandemic and since its announcement, comparison and conclusions were drawn. The deduction method was used to assess the impact of the decrease in demand for national and international transport services in specific industries. Statistical methods and methods of mathematical modelling were applied to analyze the research results. The induction method was used to formulate conclusions from the information collected in this area. The method of empirical observation was employed to formulate the main problems resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of transport companies in Poland. Findings: The conducted research was aimed at assessing the impact of the COVID pandemic on the activities of transport companies and ensuring continuity and security of the supply chain. The research has determined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transport services market, the industries affected, and the appropriate level of security needed. Practical Implications: Transport stakeholders can find out about how to combat the negative impact of a pandemic on the road transport sector and how to increase the security of delivery and the operation of transport companies. Originality/Value: The conducted research enables a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the change in the structure of demand for transport services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of transport companies in Poland.