The term logistics means the art of moving, quartering, and supplying troops, 1846, from French (l'art) logistique "(art) of quartering troops," which apparently is from Middle French logis "lodging" (from Old French logeiz "shelter for an army, encampment," from loge.

According to the Council of Logistics Management, logistics can be defined as “that part of supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption.” Logistics is comprised of shipping, warehousing, courier services, road/rail transportation and air freight. Logistics management activities typically include inbound and outbound transportation management, fleet management, warehousing, materials handling, order fulfillment, logistics network design, inventory control, supply/demand planning and management of third-party logistics services providers. The primary determinants of logistical performance, include rapid response, minimum variance, minimum inventory, movement consolidation, quality, and life-cycle support.

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Global encampment, quartering around the world, origination