Lesson 1: Introduction to logistics

1. What are the different areas of logistics? Complete the diagram below.

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2. Five people give their definition of logistics. Complete the sentences using the words from the
box.

provide - storage - support - distribution - delivery - maintenance

a. Logistics means that you manage the procurement and movement of goods and the
_________________ of inventory.
b. It means the _________________ of the goods the customer needs at the right time, in
the right place, and of the right quality.
c. My definition of logistics is this: its to plan, organize, and manage operations that
_________________ services and goods.
d. Logistics - thats the purchasing, maintenance, _________________, and the replace-
ment of material and staff.
e. Logistics is the planning and _________________ of operations such as warehousing,
inventory, transport, procurement, supply and _________________.

3, Match the jobs to their descriptions:

a. carrier
b. freight forwarder
c. supplier
d. haulage contractor/haulier
e. courier

company which carries goods by road

company that specializes in the speedy and secure delivery of small goods and packages
company that transports goods
company which supplies parts or services to another company, also called vendor
person or business that arranges documentation and travel facilities for companies dis-
patching goods to customers

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4. Role play: Antwerp Transport & Logistics Fair
You are attending the AT&L fair where you meet a lot of collegues from the logistics industry
you havent met before. Start a conversation with your teacher (also playing a role of a logistics
employee), describing the different jobs. The phrases below will help you.

Your job: Distribution manager at Katoennatie

Job specifications:
extensive knowledge of current tariffs, rates and import and export regulations
monitor shipping operations
hire and train staff
develop bisiness plans
assess warehouse operations and provide feedback
ensure the budget is not overspent

Possible questions:
What do you do?
Whats your line of work?
What does your job involve?

Describing jobs:
I work for a major shipping company.
I work in the regional depot.

Describing responsabilities:
Im responsible for ...
In my job I have to ...
My job involves ...
Other useful verbs: to advise, to prepare, to train, to manage, to monitor, to carry out, to provide
or supply, to ensure, to organize