An Analytical Study of Hinterland Transport Inefficiencies on Supply Chain Performance

Hinterland transport inefficiencies (HTIs) pose a significant challenge to port competitiveness and regional economic development. Although prior studies have focused on descriptive, efficiency-based benchmarking and optimisation models, real-world port-hinterland dynamics shaping port operational performance (POP) have been rarely explored. Drawing on systems theory and resource dependence theory, this study examines the impact of inadequate infrastructure (II), cumbersome customs procedures (CCPs), extensive checkpoints (ECPs) and high transport and transactional costs (HTTCs) on POP, and also assesses the moderating effect of supply chain collaboration (SCC). A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising 133 quantitative surveys and 20 qualitative interviews for comprehensive assessment and in-depth stakeholder narratives. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling and content analysis. In a combinatorial assessment, the findings revealed that HTIs had a negative impact on POP. Isolated estimation revealed that II and ECPs had a negative convergent triangulation impact on POP. However, CCPs and HTTCs had divergent triangulation outcomes. In contrast to established literature, SCC had no significant positive moderating effect, highlighting conditional factors. This study integrates systems theory and resource dependence theory to offer empirical evidence on how ports and hinterlands operate in an interconnected transport system. It extends port regionalisation literature by contextualising port logistics in a West African high-friction transport setting and demonstrating the chain effect of hinterland transport inefficiencies in shaping port competitiveness. Though the analysis is contextual, the findings may apply to similar context.