Logistics is the management of the flow of goods between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet the requirements of customers or corporations by the most efficient route.
Transport occurs wherever physical distance between two geographical points must be overcome. A broad definition of transportation might begin with the moving of objects from source point to reception point. Transportation however is only part of a much wider logistical chain, which involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, and packaging, and often security in order to bring the product to the customer at the right time, at a good price, in the correct quantity and in the proper condition.
Logistics is the culmination of planned, coordinated, regulated and controlled processes which enable the transport of physical goods, live animals, people or capital, information and knowledge from source point to reception point or customer by the most efficient route. This does not just mean finished goods, but can also include all of the components and materials required to create them. Goods do not just travel from producer to market, they also travel back again, not least when rejected by consumers or under end of life legislation. This is known as reverse logistics.
Transportation Companies should be able to advise you on every aspect of freight transportation: the best freight transport route, the documentation needed, as well as the timings and any additional costs you can expect to incur.
The professional body for those involved in logistics or supply chain management is the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.