logistics
luh-JIS-tiks
/ləˈdʒɪstɪks/
The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies; in trade, the commercial activity of transporting goods to customers.
It covers everything from warehousing and inventory to shipping and delivery.
The story behind the word. Originally a military term from the French 'logistique', derived from 'logis' (lodging). It referred to the officer's duty to find housing and food for troops on the move.
Word relationships
- supply chain management: Supply chain management is broader, including sourcing and manufacturing; logistics is specifically about movement and storage.
Commonly confused with
- distribution: Distribution is just the final step of getting goods to the user; logistics is the whole system.
Word family
- logistical (adjective): Relating to logistics.
Collocations
- logistics network
- third-party logistics
- logistics management
Example sentences
- "The company's success is largely due to its efficient logistics, which allow for next-day delivery." Supply chain
- "Amateurs talk about strategy; professionals talk about logistics." Military history
Memory hook
Logistics helps you 'Log' where every 'Stick' (item) is going. Moving the goods.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple planning (like 'the logistics of a dinner party') in a formal business context; keep it for supply chain operations.
Fun facts
- Amazon's logistics network is so vast that it now delivers more than half of its own packages, rivaling UPS and FedEx.
Explore more words
coordinate, mobilize, coordination, supply chain, deploy, quartermaster
Also appears in
- Business → Industry & Manufacturing
- Business → Operations & Logistics
- Military Science & Warfare → Military Strategy & Tactics
- Military Science & Warfare → Military Command & Logistics
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Supply Chain Engineering
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Agricultural Supply Chains
- Home & Domestic Life → Moving & Relocation
- Skilled Trades & Construction → Commercial Trucking & Freight
- Skilled Trades & Construction → Construction Site Management
- Emergency Services & Public Safety → Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid
- Emergency Services & Public Safety → Emergency Shelters & Evacuation
- Aviation & Maritime Transport → Commercial Maritime Shipping
- Civic Life & Public Services → Postal & Delivery Services
- Business → Event Management & Trade Shows
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