The Logistics Outsourcing Handbook

Gwynne Richards has over 35 years of experience in warehouse management and logistics outsourcing. As well as running his own successful logistics consultancy, he produces and runs a number of courses on warehouse management and logistics outsourcing for practitioners. Jo Godsmark is a supply chain professional and consultant with over 20 years experience in manufacturing and logistics. She is Chair of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport's Outsourcing and Procurement Forum.

Chapter - 00: Introduction;
Chapter - 01: Logistics outsourcing;
Chapter - 02: To outsource or not to outsource?;
Chapter - 03: The logistics services marketplace;
Chapter - 04: Supplier or partner?;
Chapter - 05: The outsourcing lifecycle;
Chapter - 06: Third-party logistics contracts and pricing mechanisms;
Chapter - 07: Performance measurement and management;
Chapter - 08: The risks associated with outsourcing;
Chapter - 09: Managing relationships;
Chapter - 10: IT in logistics outsourcing;
Chapter - 11: The future of logistics outsourcing;
Chapter - 12: Appendix I LSP warehouse audit checklists;
Chapter - 13: Appendix II LSP transport audit checklists;
Chapter - 14: Appendix III Sample non-disclosure agreement;
Chapter - 15: Appendix IV LSP outsourcing contract – typical headings;
Chapter - 16: Appendix V Sample receiving process flow;
Chapter - 17: Appendix VI Sample customer questionnaire;
Chapter - 18: Appendix VII Useful websites;
Chapter - 19: References and further reading;
Chapter - 20: Index

"Logistics outsourcing is a complicated process that can deliver significant benefits for all parties if it is managed well but if managed poorly can create critical business issues. Understanding the process from the initial decision to outsource or not through to the management of relationships to deliver against a business strategy is fundamental for those in procurement, in-house logistics teams and logistics service providers. This is an invaluable publication written by experienced practitioners that brings all the elements of the outsourcing cycle into one comprehensive guide. As CEO of CILT UK and as a former executive within logistics service provider I recommend this book."

"We are witnessing a period of extraordinary change within the logistics industry. The exponential growth of e-commerce is driving the need to hold inventories as close as possible to major urban conurbations to meet delivery expectations of technology-enabled consumers, propelling unprecedented demand for multiple stocking locations. This pursuit of greater agility and flexibility in logistics networks is serviced increasingly by third party logistics providers (many being members of UKWA). Often in a shared user environment and requiring integration of IT systems and sophisticated sharing of data, the concept of outsourcing is growing. The insights shared by authors Richards and Godsmark and contributors to The Logistics Outsourcing Handbook are therefore very timely and relevant, and will be of interest to both seasoned practitioners and the next generation of logisticians in equipping themselves for this fast-moving, vitally important sector."

"Logistics outsourcing is a strategically important part of an organisation's supply chain strategy. Making the wrong decision can result in product shortages that make news headlines and cause significant reputational damage (e.g. KFC). Getting it right can be a significant of competitive advantage. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the different aspects to consider when making a logistics outsourcing decision. It is a must read for all those involved in logistics outsourcing."

"If outsourcing is undertaken appropriately an organisation can "in-source" key capabilities to secure competitive advantage, if outsourcing is badly managed millions can be lost! This book based on extensive author experience from across the U.K. logistics profession provides a much needed introduction to the opportunities and traps of outsourcing, with insights into a variety of critical areas including the logistics service marketplace, the key decisions to be made, measuring performance, contracts and risks. An important reference for those already engaged in outsourced relationships or about to embark on an outsourcing journey"

"Another useful book from Kogan Page on third party logistics operations, in fact probably a 'must read' unless you are bang up to date on outsourcing matters. Godsmark and Richards pool knowledge and give valuable insight into whether or not to outsource, size of the market, IT considerations, risks involved, the future and explain with recent examples of disasters which may help others to avoid similar pitfalls. Those public disasters can be remembered for many years and can add to reasons why most tendered contracts will stay with the current third party logistics provider. The relationship between customer and needs to be a two way street to get the best from the relationship."

"This book is invaluable reading for providers and customers of outsourced logistics services. With hugely useful case studies and insightful new research into relationships between logistics partners, this book will form a key part of the debate about the future direction of this important business sector."