Transport Logistics

Common findings and recommendations

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The trend towards globalisation and logistics is in the process of reshaping transport

activities. New strategic uses of logistics will continually alter the nature and culture of

operations in companies; governments will have to match these changes. The strategic

advantage of logistics is likely to be most pronounced in terms of improvements in co-

ordination and planning resulting in transport efficiency gains. However, it is important for

governments to fully understand concepts of logistics and to stimulate economic

competitiveness to achieve positive economic development. At the same time, governments

need to reduce any negative impacts, so as to achieve a more balanced approach to economic

growth, including sustainable development.

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At present, the ability of governments to promote global logistics systems is limited by

internal institutional and organisational constraints, as well as a lack of knowledge of

logistics developments and of the effects of their policy actions. In many cases, freight

transport policy reflects modal thinking without due regard being given to the need for

integrated freight management as required by transport operators.

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In order to increase competitiveness by promoting the opportunities afforded by logistics and

also achieving sustainable development, governments need to develop an integrated policy