This paper presents a personal-computer assisted decision support system (D
SS) which aims at aiding logistics managers in selecting the most appropria
te transportation choice between private and common carriers. In contrast w
ith a traditional stand-alone system, this DSS is designed for integration
with the company's internal data base systems, the analytic hierarchy proce
ss model base and user controlled dialogue systems for 'what-if scenarios.
The Master Lock case example provided in this paper illustrates how the pro
posed DSS can be utilized for carrier selection decisions and related conti
ngency planning in dynamic distribution environments. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci
ence Ltd. All rights reserved.