Strategic planning usually covers 2-3 years time span. Long-range planning of more than 3 years ahead of time is not a common practice. The reason is that it requires a significant amount of data and method to interpret the data. If long-range planning is done properly, the logistics company will know what kind of product or customer service they should pursue, amount of inventory need, procurement strategy and kind of distribution network they have to develop, what kind of operations infrastructure they have to invest in and how they can develop capabilities of the organization (by implementing lean manufacturing or six sigma.)
In order to determine the future of the logistics industry in a quick and efficient manner, I've done a lot of literature survey and found 3 interesting articles. The first article is called "Transportation and Logistics 2030" by Pwc and the second article is called "Scenario Planning for Logistics An Experts' View for 2025" by the Supply Chain Management Institute. Both articles use the Delphi Method to predict the future. The last paper is called "Third-Party Logistics: A Literature Review" from Marasco 2007. Data is then extracted, evaluated and summarized in the infographic that is easier to follow.
References
- von der Gracht, H. A., Darkow, I. L., Gnatzy, T., Ruske, K. D., Kauschke, P., Reuter, J., & Montgomery, E. (2009). Transportation & Logistics 2030—Volume 1: How Will Supply Chains Evolve in an Energy-constrained, Low-carbon World. PwC, Düsseldorf.
- Heiko, A., & Darkow, I. L. (2010). Scenarios for the logistics services industry: a Delphi-based analysis for 2025. International Journal of Production Economics, 127(1), 46-59.
- Marasco, A. (2008). Third-party logistics: A literature review. International Journal of production economics, 113(1), 127-147.
Books We Recommend
- 7 Best Supply Chain Books of All Time
- 7 Best Purchasing Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Six Sigma Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Operations Management Books CEOs Read
- 7 Best Inventory Control Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Lean Books Ever Written
- 7 Best International Business Books CEOs Read

- von der Gracht, H. A., Darkow, I. L., Gnatzy, T., Ruske, K. D., Kauschke, P., Reuter, J., & Montgomery, E. (2009). Transportation & Logistics 2030—Volume 1: How Will Supply Chains Evolve in an Energy-constrained, Low-carbon World. PwC, Düsseldorf.
- Heiko, A., & Darkow, I. L. (2010). Scenarios for the logistics services industry: a Delphi-based analysis for 2025. International Journal of Production Economics, 127(1), 46-59.
- Marasco, A. (2008). Third-party logistics: A literature review. International Journal of production economics, 113(1), 127-147.
Books We Recommend
- 7 Best Supply Chain Books of All Time
- 7 Best Purchasing Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Six Sigma Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Operations Management Books CEOs Read
- 7 Best Inventory Control Books Ever Written
- 7 Best Lean Books Ever Written
- 7 Best International Business Books CEOs Read
Last review and update: December 11, 2021