The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain

by Alan Rushton, Phil Croucher, Peter Baker, Ioannis Koliousis

Overview

Fully grasp the core principles of logistics, distribution management and the supply chain with this definitive guide that offers clear and straightforward explanations with up-to-date discussions of supply chain innovations.

The Handbook of logistics and Distribution Management provides students and practitioners with a complete, step-by-step overview of the different aspects of setting up, managing and optimizing supply chains. Designed to offer a full appreciation of how supply chains are planned and operated, it is structured logically and delves into topics in more clarity and detail than disparate collections of research papers.

The eighth edition offers:
- Practical solutions designed to meet the challenges faced by those studying and working in the sector at an academic and practitioner level.
- New coverage of current supply chain and logistics trends including sustainable operations, digital transformation and AI and blockchain.
- Online resources including lecture slides (tables, images and formulae from the text), acronyms and abbreviations and infographics.

Integrating both strategic and tactical insights, this textbook is underpinned throughout by real-world data and worked examples and is an essential guide for topics across the wide-ranging fields of logistics and the supply chain.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781398625129
Publisher:	Kogan Page, Ltd.
Publication date:	01/27/2026
Edition description:	8th ed.
Pages:	728
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Alan Rushton was a Director of Dialog Consultants and Director of Graduate Programmes at the Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Cranfield University.

Phil Croucher is an independent supply chain consultant and lecturer.

Peter Baker worked in international freight forwarding and then as a consultant. He is a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University.

Ioannis Koliousis is an Associate Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Cranfield School of Management. He is the Director of the Executive MBA and Director of Executive Development for Supply Chain Management.

Table of Contents

* Section - ONE: Concepts of Logistics and Distribution; ** Chapter - 01: Introduction to Logistics and Distribution; ** Chapter - 02: Integrated Logistics and the Supply Chain; ** Chapter - 03: Customer Service and Logistics; ** Chapter - 04: Channels of Distribution; ** Chapter - 05: Key Issues and Challenges for Logistics; * Section - TWO: Planning for Logistics; ** Chapter - 06: Planning Framework for Logistics; ** Chapter - 07: Logistics Processes; ** Chapter - 08: Supply Chain Segmentation; ** Chapter - 09: Logistics Costs and Trade-Offs; ** Chapter - 10: Logistics Network Planning; ** Chapter - 11: Logistics Management and Organisation; ** Chapter - 12: Omnichannel Fulfilment; ** Chapter - 13: Manufacturing Logistics; * Section - THREE: Procurement, Inventory and Demand Forecasting; ** Chapter - 14: Procurement and Supply; ** Chapter - 15: Inventory - The Basic Concepts; ** Chapter - 16: Inventory and the Supply Chain; ** Chapter - 17: Inventory Planning and Demand Forecasting; * Section - FOUR: Warehousing and Storage; ** Chapter - 18: Principles of Warehousing; ** Chapter - 19: Storage and Handling Systems (Palletised); ** Chapter - 20: Storage and Handling Systems (Non-Palletised); ** Chapter - 21: Order Picking and Packing; ** Chapter - 22: Receiving and Despatch; ** Chapter - 23: Warehouse Design; ** Chapter - 24: Warehouse Management and Information; * Section - FIVE: Freight Transport; ** Chapter - 25: International Logistics - Modal Choice; ** Chapter - 26: Maritime Transport; ** Chapter - 27: Air Transport; ** Chapter - 28: Rail and Intermodal Transport; ** Chapter - 29: Road Freight Transport - Vehicle Selection; ** Chapter - 30: Road Freight Transport - Vehicle Costing; ** Chapter - 31: Road Freight Transport - Planning and Resourcing; ** Chapter - 32: Road Freight Transport - Vehicle Routeing & Scheduling; ** Chapter - 33: International Freight Forwarding; * Section - SIX: Outsourcing Logistics; ** Chapter - 34: Outsourcing - Operations & Services; ** Chapter - 35: Outsourcing - Decision Criteria; ** Chapter - 36: Outsourcing - The Selection Process; ** Chapter - 37: Outsourcing Management; * Section - SEVEN: Operational Management; ** Chapter - 38: Cost and Performance Monitoring; ** Chapter - 39: Benchmarking; ** Chapter - 40: AI, Blockchains, Digital Twins and the digitalisation of Supply Chain; ** Chapter - 41: Security and Safety; ** Chapter - 42: Sustainable Logistics; ** Chapter - 43: Humanitarian and Disaster Logistics

Editorial Reviews

"This book defines the fundamental functions and elements of logistics and distribution, and provides a broad strategic framework for planning. Because planning strategies, distribution methods, and retail channels are constantly changing, supply chain and logistics managers will find this a good up-to-date reference tool, with actionable information and suggestions that they can apply today."

Inbound Logistics Jason McDowell

"An impressive book covering the key aspects and processes of logistics and distribution in a detailed and holistic manner. It is an essential read for undergraduate and postgraduate students and others keen to understand more about logistics and distribution."

Professor Michael Bourlakis

"Intended, both as a reference for current logistics managers as well as a text for students, this updated edition includes new chapters on supply chain segmentation, air and marine transport, and the ever frequent decision to outsource. The latter can take place in a variety of areas, grouped here into the categories of warehousing, transport, and value added services. Although published in the UK and covering European Union legislation, most of the book is internationally applicable, treating standard issues of supply chain management."

Inc. Book News

"This book does exactly what it says on the tin. It is perfect as a starting point for essay writing for students, or as a reference book for those working in logistics."

Logistics and Transport Focus

"I would recommend this as one of the most readable books available for logistics and supply chain students and professionals around the world."

Dorothea Carvalho

"This is all you need.

For anyone wishing to start their career or top up their knowledge, regardless of how long they have been in the profession, this is the one-stop, excellently written publication. For anyone currently doing studies regardless of degree, including university, under or post graduates, the level of content is invaluable. This publication is my sanity check in an ever-changing world of logistics.

I do recommend this book to anyone who is committed to their continued development at any level. I have been in the industry for over 30 years and have always had a copy of this publication. If you only want one book, this is it.

"

Ashley Rimmer

"A whopping 720 pages filled with a wealth of information on all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials through to final distribution of the finished product."

Logisticsmatter.com Martijn Graat

"A whopping 750 pages filled with a wealth of information on all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials through to final distribution of the finished product."

LogisticsMatter.com Martijn Graat

"I use and recommend this as a core text for several undergraduate and post graduate programmes where logistics features wholly or as a module. Students find it easy to read, yet comprehensive in content. It covers subjects in-depth for the initiated while at the same time being accessible to newcomers to the topic. The inclusion of clear diagrams, tables, photographs and graphs helps to explain concepts and place them in context throughout. This publication delivers everything you'd expect of a handbook. At the same time, it manages to be interesting and not at all 'dry'. An excellent book to have regardless of your role in the profession. I couldn't do my job without this book."

Helen Gallimore

"A whopping 750 pages filled with a wealth of information on all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials through to final distribution of the finished product."-- "Martijn Graat, LogisticsMatter.com"

"An impressive book covering the key aspects and processes of logistics and distribution in a detailed and holistic manner. It is an essential read for undergraduate and postgraduate students and others keen to understand more about logistics and distribution."-- "Professor Michael Bourlakis, Director of the Centre for Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University"

"I would recommend this as one of the most readable books available for logistics and supply chain students and professionals around the world."-- "Dorothea Carvalho, Director of Professional Development, CILT"

"This is all you need. For anyone wishing to start their career or top up their knowledge, regardless of how long they have been in the profession, this is the one-stop, excellently written publication. This publication is my sanity check in an ever-changing world of logistics."-- "Ashley Rimmer, FCILT, Transport Manager (Highways) Norse Group."

From the Publisher

"Intended, both as a reference for current logistics managers as well as a text for students, this updated edition includes new chapters on supply chain segmentation, air and marine transport, and the ever frequent decision to outsource. The latter can take place in a variety of areas, grouped here into the categories of warehousing, transport, and value added services. Although published in the UK and covering European Union legislation, most of the book is internationally applicable, treating standard issues of supply chain management."

Inc. - Book News

"This book defines the fundamental functions and elements of logistics and distribution, and provides a broad strategic framework for planning. Because planning strategies, distribution methods, and retail channels are constantly changing, supply chain and logistics managers will find this a good up-to-date reference tool, with actionable information and suggestions that they can apply today."

Inbound Logistics - Jason McDowell

"This book defines the fundamental functions and elements of logistics and distribution, and provides a broad strategic framework for planning. Because planning strategies, distribution methods, and retail channels are constantly changing, supply chain and logistics managers will find this a good up-to-date reference tool, with actionable information and suggestions that they can apply today."

Inbound Logistics - James McDowell

"Now in its fourth edition, The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management provides invaluable technical information and is written in an accessible and informative manner. The new chapters on supply chain segmentation, air transport, maritime transport and outsourcing are a welcome addition. I would recommend this as one of the most readable books available for logistics and supply chain students and professionals around the world."

Director of Professional Development, CILT - Dorthea Carvalho