Th e prime objective for writing the fi rst edition of this book was to provide an up-to-date text at a reasonable cost. We also felt that there was a signifi cant gap in the literature for a book that off ered a broad strategic framework as well as a clear and straightforward description of the basic functions and elements related to logistics and distribution. In the second edition of the book, published in 2000, we provided a signifi cant revision of the original text. Th e continued high rate of development and change in business and logistics necessitated a third edition, published in 2006, and.
