Logistics and transportation

Logistics and Transportation management is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow of materials, goods and services from their point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements. It involves organizing and managing the resources, infrastructure and processes necessary to get goods and services to the customer. This includes the coordination of people, activities, materials, information, equipment and other resources to ensure the best possible flow of goods and services from their source to the customer.

Example of logistics and transportation

• Planning: Planning involves setting objectives, analyzing customer needs, evaluating available resources, and developing a plan of action to meet customer requirements. This includes choosing a mode of transport, selecting a route and scheduling shipments.
• Execution: Execution involves implementing the logistics plan and carrying out activities such as loading and unloading goods, tracking shipments, monitoring delivery times and ensuring quality control.
• Control: Control involves monitoring and adjusting the logistics plan to ensure that customer requirements are met. This includes monitoring shipments, providing feedback and adjusting plans as needed.
• Reverse Logistics: Reverse logistics is the process of managing the return of goods from the customer back to the point of origin. This includes tracking shipments, processing returns and disposing of returned goods.
• Warehousing and Distribution: Warehousing and distribution involves storing and distributing goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. This includes selecting a warehouse, storing goods, tracking inventory and preparing shipments for delivery.

When to use logistics and transportation

Logistics and transportation management is used in a variety of applications to ensure the efficient flow of goods and services from their point of origin to the point of consumption. These applications include:

• Supply chain management: This involves the coordination of all of the activities involved in the production, procurement, and delivery of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
• Warehousing and distribution: This involves the storage, handling, and movement of goods and materials within the supply chain.
• Inventory management: This involves the tracking and control of inventory levels at various points in the supply chain.
• Freight forwarding: This involves the selection and coordination of the most efficient and cost-effective transport options for the movement of goods.
• Fleet management: This involves managing the fleet of vehicles used for the transport of goods.
• Transport routing and scheduling: This involves the optimization of transport routes and schedules to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.

Types of logistics and transportation

Logistics and transportation management involves a wide range of activities, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing and storage, order fulfillment, and delivery. The following are some of the most common types of logistics and transportation management:

• Procurement: Procurement involves the acquisition of products or services from vendors or suppliers. This may include purchasing raw materials, finished goods, and other supplies.
• Inventory Management: Inventory management entails tracking and managing stock levels to ensure there is enough to meet customer demand. This includes tracking inventory levels, ordering new stock, and maintaining an accurate record of inventory on hand.
• Warehousing and Storage: Warehousing and storage involve the safe and secure storage of goods and materials in an organized manner. This may include the use of automated systems and software to manage access and inventory levels.
• Order Fulfillment: Order fulfillment includes the processes related to fulfilling orders, such as picking, packing, and shipping. It may involve the use of automated systems and software to manage the process.
• Delivery: Delivery involves the physical transportation of the goods and services from the point of origin to the customer. This may include the use of trucks, ships, airplanes, and other modes of transportation.

Advantages of logistics and transportation

The advantages of logistics and transportation management include:

• Increased efficiency and cost savings - Logistics and transportation management can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency by streamlining processes and procedures, such as automating the ordering process, optimizing routes, and utilizing predictive analytics.
• Improved customer service - Logistics and transportation management can help to improve customer service by ensuring that goods are delivered on time and in the right condition.
• Increased visibility and control - Logistics and transportation management can provide better visibility and control over the supply chain, allowing businesses to monitor shipments and inventory levels in real time.
• Improved sustainability - Logistics and transportation management can help to reduce environmental impacts by optimizing routes and utilizing more efficient modes of transportation.
• Increased flexibility - Logistics and transportation management can help businesses to be more flexible and adjust quickly to changes in demand or supply.

Limitations of logistics and transportation

Logistics and transportation management is an important part of any business’s operations. However, it also has its limitations. The following are some of the limitations of logistics and transportation management:

• Cost: Logistics and transportation management can be expensive, as it requires the purchase of vehicles, equipment and other resources. Additionally, fuel and other associated costs can add up over time.
• Time: Logistics and transportation management can be time consuming, as it requires careful planning and scheduling. Delays can occur due to weather conditions, traffic delays, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
• Risk: Logistics and transportation management involves a certain amount of risk, as there is no guarantee that goods or services will be delivered on time or in the condition expected.
• Regulation: Logistics and transportation management is subject to various regulations and laws which must be complied with at all times.
• Technology: Logistics and transportation management relies heavily on technology, and any hiccups in the system can lead to delays and other issues.

Logistics and transportation — recommended articles

Role of transportation — Supply chain networks — Last mile — Inventory system — Logistics service providers — Supply logistics subsystem — Contract logistics — Procurement logistics — Outbound logistics

References

• Tseng, Y. Y., Yue, W. L., & Taylor, M. A. (2005, June). The role of transportation in logistics chain. Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies.
• Ansari, S., Başdere, M., Li, X., Ouyang, Y., & Smilowitz, K. (2018). Advancements in continuous approximation models for logistics and transportation systems: 1996–2016. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 107, 229-252.