Abstract
The terms Transport and Logistics have historically been used independently of one another. While the meaning of transport relates to the critical function of providing mobility, the understanding of logistics varies sharply between its different application contexts, from Military Logistics in early stages to its current application in Supply Chains referred to as Business Logistics. Logistics is generally understood as the processes associated with handling goods within a supply chain from its raw material supply to production to consumption, including its Transport during the multiple segments of the journey. Transport research also treats Logistics as those activities that support consuming transport itself as a means of satisfying mobility requirements but again mainly confined to the movement of goods. The recent emergence of 'Transport & Logistics' in academia and research further confuses the scientific study of mobility issues. However, this understanding is less obfuscating in industry, as each employs it in its specific context and understands it differently. This paper proposes the term Transport Logistics to identify the logistics associated with the different forms of transport provision. The etymology of terms Transport and Logistics have been consulted in its deduction. The paper concludes that passenger transport and goods transport have similar logistics activities to understand them as a single field of study. Moreover, the paper asserts that Logistics is a well-defined rational and logical process that can solve a difficult or complex transport problem.
Highlights
The terms Transport and Logistics have historically been used independently of one another
In non-military use, the term Logistics is mainly associated with the supply chain processes and handling goods and not people
The paper argues that: (i) The role of Logistics in supply chain management is different to the role of Logistics in mobility
Summary
Transport is used as a verb to describe the physical movement of persons or goods between two different locations. Dictionaries define Transport meaning 'to transfer or convey from one place to the other' [1] as illustrated by its use in ‘Admiral da Gama, unable to leave the Bay of Rio de Janeiro on account of lack of transport for the sick and wounded and the civilians claiming his protection, could do no more than wait for Admiral Mello to return from Desterro’ [2] As a verb, it refers to the function of being carried or taken, which is identified as the 'demand' side of mobility, represents the user’s utility or requirement. The word Transportation, of more recent American origin, further defines the supply side of transport as a 'system for carrying people or goods from one place to another using vehicle, and related infrastructure'[4], illustrated in ‘the rising transportation cost was a matter of concern’ or ‘the transportation system needs to be modernised’
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