Abstract

This study assesses whether Human Resource Competence (HRC) improves Cargo Clearance Performance (CCP) at Dar es Salaam Seaport. Drawing on the Resource-Based View and technology-adoption theory, the study surveyed clearing and forwarding agents, customs officials, and port administrators and estimated relationships using PLS-SEM. The reflective measurement model met reliability and validity thresholds (loadings ≥ .71; α, CR ≥ .86; AVE ≥ .60). In the structural model, HRC had a positive, significant effect on CCP (β = 0.34, t = 5.98, p < .001), and the model explained 51% of CCP variance (R² = .51) with predictive relevance (Q² = .31) and acceptable fit (SRMR = .064). Findings indicate that competence training quality, system proficiency, problem-solving, and coordination translates into faster, more accurate, and more efficient clearance. Practical implications include role-specific training, competency assessments embedded in HR cycles, targeted coaching for exception handling and data quality, and periodic Time Release Studies to track gains. The study positions HRC as a strategic complement to digital and process reforms in achieving sustained port performance.

Keywords

  • Human Resource Competence
  • Cargo Clearance Performance
  • Dar es Salaam Port
  • Trade Facilitation

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