Transport Logistics

CHAPTER I: GLOBAL TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

1.1. Development in trade networks

One of the most obvious manifestations of logistics activities is the growth in freight transport

due to the worldwide expansion of trade. In particular, the globalisation of industry, including

planning, sourcing, manufacturing and marketing activities has resulted in more complex trading and

much more developed transport networks.

Development of trade networks has also been facilitated by major regulatory and technical trends.

Trade liberalisation, particularly within trading blocks such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-

operation (APEC), the European Union (EU) and the North American Free Trade Agreement

(NAFTA), has removed constraints on cross-border movement and has reduced related “barrier costs”.

Advances in telecommunications and information technology have given companies the means to

improve the efficiency of their businesses across widely dispersed geographic locations.