Costs to ship fresh fruits and vegetables from Defense Subsistence Office, Alameda via controlled atmosphere containers

Abstract

This thesis involves determining the cost of shipping Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) from the Defense Subsistence Office (DSO), Alameda, to various customers on the Pacific Rim via controlled atmosphere refrigerated containers. The data was developed via interviews with personnel at various commands, particularly DSO Alameda, Defense Subsistence Region, Pacific (DSRPAC), Military Traffic Management Command, Western Area (MTMCWA), Military Sealift Command, Pacific (MSCPAC), and Military Sealift Command Headquarters (MSCHQ). The thesis shows the processes involved in booking the shipment of FFV, manifesting them, and final billing of the customers. The entire process has never been documented. Understanding the process may suggest improvements. Additionally, showing actual costs will provide the data necessary for DSO Alameda's customers to plan their budgets, a critical factor in this time of shrinking defense budgets.