THE CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF TRANSPORT SERVICE PROVIDERS IN TUGUEGARAO CITY IN THE NEW NORMAL

Abstract

This study delves into the challenges and strategies faced by Transport Service Providers in Tuguegarao City during the post-pandemic era, commonly referred to as the "next normal." Employing a descriptive inferential design, the research aimed to assess the relationship between challenges and strategies among these service providers and to draw comparisons based on their respective sectors – Food Delivery Services, Parcel Delivery Services, and Passenger Transport Services. Utilizing a purposive sampling technique, 60 respondents from the different transport service providers participated in the study, comprising 20 from Food Delivery Services, 21 from Parcel Delivery Services, and 19 from Passenger Transport Services. Researchers employed a structured questionnaire designed explicitly for this study to collect data and insights from the participants. Statistical treatment involved Percentage Distribution and Frequency, Mean, Pearson R, One Way–ANOVA, and T-Test to test the relationships, differences, and significance among variables in the dataset. The study found significant relationships between the challenges faced and the strategies employed by Transport Service Providers in Tuguegarao City during the period under review. Results indicated that transport service providers are encountering a range of challenges, including issues with fuel prices, lead times, customer relationship management, quantities, profits/salaries, and shipping costs. Despite these challenges, the strategies implemented by these providers seem to be effective in mitigating the identified issues. The findings of this study propose recommendations for future researchers to explore additional domains and consider diverse factors influencing the challenges encountered by Transport Service Providers. Additionally, future research or analysis could explore potential areas for improvement or optimization in these strategies to further enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of transport service providers in the face of ongoing challenges.