logistics management books
09 Oct

7 Best Logistics Management Books You Should Read

There are so many different facets and books for Supply Chain Management; it can be overwhelming when it comes to actually choose which reference book(s) to purchase. To help readers I have recommended these 7 Supply Chain Management Books for Beginners. Some readers have asked me can I recommend Logistics Management books which leads me to write this blog.

In addition to below-recommended guides are useful in addition to below mentioned Logistics Management Books, you will find


Well Researched Warehouse Audit Tool – To Improve Warehouse Performance


Cycle Counting Procedure Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Best Logistics Management Books

In this blog, I will give you my pick of the 7 Best Logistics Management books out there that I believe not only help with the theoretical, ideal scenarios but will equip you to tackle and adapt your knowledge to any real-world situation you may find yourself in.

 

1.     Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management (1st Edition): Paul Myerson

 

This is the first of 2 Logistics Management Books by Paul Myerson that I have selected.  This book is an all-in-one must-have for all Supply Chain practitioners/managers and if you know someone who is, I think this will serve well as a perfect gift that will keep on giving!!!

 

It brings together Supply Chain Management, Lean and Logistics in a readable manner that not only engages the reader but by using real-world examples to explain the theory of logistics, instantly allows you to draw parallels with your own experiences and what you can do to further your knowledge and, if you are a practice manager, provides an excellent reference for practical application on how to drive down cost by understanding and learning how to identify and eliminate waste within your supply chain.

 

All the basic and advanced Logistics tools are introduced and there are also a lot of charts and visual aids further helping the reader visualize the concepts being introduced and put into practice.

 

This book is perfect for anyone involved in Logistics and Supply chain whether they are new to the field or experienced practitioners. It focuses on the logistics side of Supply Chain – for more in-depth and full coverage of all aspects of Supply Chain please refer to his book choice 3: Supply Chain and Logistics Management Made Easy: Methods and Applications for Planning, Operation, Integration, Control and Improvement, and Network Design (1st Edition): Paul A. Myerson

Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management

 

2.     Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse (2nd Edition):  Gwynne Richards

 

A critical and integral aspect of any supply chain and Logistics is Warehouse management. How successfully warehouses are managed is the key to driving costs down, increasing profit margins and making your supply chain efficient and successful.

 

This book by Gwynne Richards provides all the know-how for Warehouse Management and is the perfect manual-albeit a hefty one!

 

This book covers everything about warehouse management, from the role of the warehouse to comprehensive insights into all related aspects.

 

I have made the particular reference to ‘Role of the Warehouse’ because, since studying Business Studies in school, I always found that business really is about recognizing and understanding  the obvious in order to make the rest of the complex stages a success. For that, and to put it into words, which when you are reading them you are thinking ‘obviously’ you have to step outside the box in order to see it. The author does that fantastically well, making this book my go-to reference for Warehouse Management hence featuring in my 7 Best Logistics Management Books.

Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse

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3.     Supply Chain and Logistics Management Made Easy: Methods and Applications for Planning, Operation, Integration, Control and Improvement, and Network Design (1st Edition): Paul A. Myerson

 

This is the 2nd book by Paul A. Myerson that I have chosen to feature in my 7 Best Logistics Management Books.

 

This informative and readable book covers supply chain comprehensively. I wish Mr. Myers had published it during my SCM studies.

 

This book achieves what many others can hit or miss on – it makes the complex easy to understand. If you are daunted by hearing the words Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Demand and Supply Planning or in the first instance feel you know them but you don’t then look no further for this book breaks these elements down to easy to digest concepts that you will continue to remember and understand and apply long after you have finished reading this book.

 

It’s a must have for students and practitioners alike.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management Made Easy: Methods and Applications for Planning, Operations, Integration, Control and Improvement, and Network Design

4.     Introduction to Logistics Systems Management (2nd Edition): Gianpaolo Ghiani, Gilbert Laporte, Roberto Musmanno

 

This Logistics Management book is the fully revised version of the authors 2004 prize-winning 1st edition. So my impression and expectation on the outset are high.

 

This book delves into logistics systems management, emphasizing their operation within organizations, aligning with its methodical title.

 

Tailored for academics and industry practitioners, this Logistics Management book leans towards an academic focus. However, its well-laid-out case studies, updated models, and techniques make it beneficial for both academics and supply chain practitioners.

The case studies in particular help you develop your understanding of the topics covered.
Introduction to Logistics Systems Management

5.     International Logistics: The Management of International Trade Operations (4th Edition): Pierre A. David

 

In a nutshell, International logistics entails the movement of materials, goods, and resources across at least one international border, managed systematically.

Tailored for import/export managers, this ideal reference covers international logistics comprehensively. It is a must for students and practitioners in international trade, offering in-depth yet concise insights.

International Logistics: The Management of International Trade Operations 4th Edition

 

6.     The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain (5th Edition): Alan Rushton, Phil Croucher, Peter Baker

 

Another Logistics Management book, covering all aspects of Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Distribution Management, and Logistics Planning, is highly readable.

 

It provides a broad framework for Planning that is clearly set out and is easy to grasp. The information is up to date with the current workings and adaptations of tool used in the supply chain.
The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain

 

7.     Business Logistics: Supply Chain Management (5th Edition) L Ronald H. Ballou

 

Designed specifically for the student market, this book is accompanied by software.

 

The software provides support and enhances the knowledge embedded in the text.

 

It’s well presented and the software is an excellent combination to provide the ‘practice’ side of Logistics Management from the comfort of your classroom. Highly recommended.
Business Logistics: Supply Chain Management 5th Edition

Here are my top 7 Logistics Management Books, drawn from extensive practice and study in SCM during my student days and career. I hope you will find them as beneficial as I have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the 7 R’s of logistics management?

The 7 R’s of logistics management are:

  1. Right Product
  2. Right Quantity
  3. Right Condition
  4. Right Place
  5. Right Time
  6. Right Customer
  7. Right Cost

What are the 5 P’s of logistics?

The 5 P’s of logistics are:

People
Processes
Place
Partnerships
Performance

What are the basics of logistics management?

The basics of logistics management include effective planning, efficient execution, and control of the movement and storage of goods, services, and information throughout the supply chain. It encompasses key elements such as transportation, inventory management, warehousing, and coordination with suppliers and customers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

What is 2PL in logistics?

In logistics, 2PL stands for “Second Party Logistics.” It refers to a logistics service provider that primarily offers transportation services. Unlike third-party logistics (3PL) providers that offer a broader range of logistics services, a 2PL provider typically focuses on transportation, such as shipping and delivery, within the supply chain.

About the Author- Dr Muddassir Ahmed

Dr MuddassirAhmed is the Founder & CEO of SCMDOJO. He is a global speaker, vlogger and supply chain industry expert with 17 years of experience in the Manufacturing Industry in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia in various Supply Chain leadership roles.  Dr. Muddassir has received a PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University Management School. Muddassir is a Six Sigma black belt and founded the leading supply chain platform SCMDOJO to enable supply chain professionals and teams to thrive by providing best-in-class knowledge content, tools and access to experts.

You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram