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Summarizes previous logistics research into the benefits of, and barriers to, electronic data interchange (EDI). Argues that information management in general, and EDI in particular, is vitally important for today’s international freight forwarder. Presents the findings from empirical studies of international freight forwarders and customers of international freight forwarders with respect to EDI benefits and barriers. Suggests that numerous opportunities exist for further research into EDI benefits and barriers across various logistics constituencies.

The central tenet of this paper is that a firm's efforts to nurture a long-term relationship with a third-party logistics (3PLs) will be influenced by its strategic orientation toward its own customers. The purpose of this paper is to propose that there will be a spillover effect of a firm's relationship marketing orientation (RMO) toward its customers on the nature of a firm's relationship with its 3PL, positively impacting its logistics performance.

A survey was administered to logistics managers in Brazilian firms that employ the services of a large 3PL. The model was tested via structural equation modeling.

Results of this research suggest that a firm's RMO toward its customers has a positive impact on the long-term orientation (LTO) toward the relationship with its 3PL, ultimately improving the firm's operations performance. Additionally, the findings reveal that the positive effect of RMO on LTO is stronger for higher levels of a firm's dependence on its 3PL.

The results provide initial evidence that when a RMO is embedded in a firm's strategies toward its customers, there will be spillover effects on both the nature and outcomes of relationships with other partners, such as 3PLs. Research limitations include the survey implementation in an emerging market, and surveying clients of a single 3PL.

From the perspective of the 3PL, when selecting new clients, it is important to investigate how these potential clients relate to their own customers. In other words, 3PLs should investigate whether these potential clients embrace RMO toward their downstream customers. If that is the case, the client will be more likely to have LTO with the 3PLs with which it works.

While most studies in logistics outsourcing demonstrate that interorganizational conditions are key determinants of long-term and collaborative relationships with 3PLs, this study provides initial evidence that when a strategic orientation – RMO – is embedded in a firm's strategies and operations toward its customers, there will be spillover effects on both the nature and outcomes of relationships with 3PLs as well.

Focuses on the logistics‐marketing interface and possible mechanisms for enhancing co‐ordination between the two functions. A comparison of both logistics and marketing practitioners reveals that there were minimal differences in the usage of 14 co‐ordination‐enhancing techniques. The results also suggest that improvements in the relationship between marketing and logistics can be made relatively quickly and at a relatively low cost. Concludes with a discussion of managerial implications.

Most firms have traditionally offered one level of logistics service to all customers. This often results in some customer groups receiving more service than necessary, while other groups receive less service than necessary. The emerging concept of logistical segmentation suggests that companies can structure their logistical offerings to meet the needs and requirements of different customer groups. Uses the “nested” approach from industrial marketing to illustrate an application of logistical segmentation. More specifically, examines the importance of selection factors in modal choice for international sourcing according to geographic location, primary mode of transport, and job responsibilities. Uses empirical data from a group of regional purchasing managers to facilitate understanding of the nested approach.

Discusses the results from an empirical study that investigated potential career frustrations and concerns of women in distribution, defined as female marketing and logistics professionals. In general, both groups of respondents have some reservations about career opportunities in their respective fields. Moreover, perceptions about career opportunities appear to be influenced by personal demographic characteristics such as education and managerial status. The results also suggest that education and continuous learning are crucial for a successful career in distribution.

Internships are an increasingly essential component of the educational preparation for the contemporary logistics major, and are often viewed as a “win‐win” situation for both the intern and their employer(s). Despite their growing importance, there has been limited discussion of logistics internships in either the practitioner or academic literature. In an effort to address part of this literature void, reports findings from surveys of students and employers with a particular focus on their differences concerning selected internship issues. Also discusses potential implications of the findings for various logistical constituencies.

Despite the increased importance and corporate visibility of logistics – and its concomitant opportunities – the demand for college educated entry‐level logisticians continues to greatly exceed their supply. The current study, which responds to this persistent shortfall of talented students, was designed to investigate three primary issues: student familiarity with logistics vis‐à‐vis other business disciplines; student perceptions of logistics in terms of academic and career issues; and the potential impact of promoting the value of logistics in a “principles of marketing” course. The findings suggest that students are relatively unfamiliar with logistics as a career choice and have a distinct level of neutrality towards many of the key “selling” points of the discipline. However, the findings also suggest that a focus on promoting the value of logistics in a “principles of marketing” course can have a significant impact on these perceptions. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for various logistics constituencies along with suggestions for future research.

Public concern over resource depletion, congestion, waste disposal, and various types of pollution has focused increased attention on environmental issues. These environmental issues are expected to broaden the scope of logistics and influence the way in which logistics managers do their jobs. To date, there has been relatively limited empirical research looking at the relationship between environmentalism and logistics management. Reports the findings of a survey of US manufacturers and merchandisers dealing with the role and relevance of logistics to corporate environmental efforts.

Free movement of goods, capital, people and services between the twelve countries of the European Community (EC) are the founding principles of the Single European Act. Members of those occupational groups to which the term “professional” is applied are among the people who are now able to offer their services throughout the EC. Steps taken by the Commission to encourage professionals of each member state to an acceptance of their fellows' expertise may well stimulate changes to the institutional forms that have regulated that expertise for the past century or more.

This article is primarily concerned with professionals, their institutions and their relations with the Commission of the European Communities (CEC), from a British point of view. It will be argued that professionals in Europe are not simply affected by European Union (EU) legislation, they help formulate it and they administer it to an extent bounded by the Commission.