Information and communication applications in transportation and logistics

The main objective of this chapter is to focus on technology applications and tools supporting transportation and logistics (i.e. mainly at the "move" and "store" links in the supply chain). ICT plays a key role in every stage of the transport and logistics decision making process enabling managers to make decisions on the basis of accurate data and information. The chapter is organised into two parts. The first part gives an overview of the main information systems and applications supporting the management of logistics activities. To this end a matrix, based on a segmentation of information systems, is introduced. This matrix provides an understanding of where a specific system/application should be applied and the type of problem it is able to solve. The second part of the chapter provides an outline of the impact of ICT on the third party logistics (3PL) industry. Starting from the recent evolution of the logistics service providers industry, the main trends associated with the widespread dissemination of new technologies in the sector are analysed.