Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the relevant literature concerning global transportation and logistics management. While the current trade war with China remains at the forefront of the challenges that are faced by the global transportation industry, the research that follows makes it clear that international trade is the key to economic growth. The major findings that emerged from this review included the enormous growth that is being experienced by the global transportation industry which is expected to nearly double in revenues by 2023, as well as innovations in technologies that have improved the efficiencies and effectiveness of logistic management. In addition, more goods are transported over roadways than waterways, and these trends are expected to continue well into the foreseeable future. Finally, the research that follows also makes it clear that the global transportation industry practitioners must remain vigilant to identify additional technological innovations that can further improve the efficiencies of logistics management at every level.

Global Transportation and Logistics Management

Notwithstanding the recent trade wars between the United States and China, international trade remains the key to building stronger ties between countries and fueling global economic growth. Against this backdrop, identifying opportunities to improve the logistics management involved in global transportation represents a valuable and timely enterprise. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature concerning global transportation and logistics management, including recent and current trends. Finally, a summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues are presented in the paper’s conclusion.

Review and Discussion

According to the definition provided by Techopedia, logistics management is “a supply chain management component that is used to meet customer demands through the planning, control and implementation of the effective movement and storage of related information, goods and services from origin to destination” (Logistics management, 2018, para. 2). Although specific vary by venue and type of commercial operations, logistics management typically involves several common components including the following:

· Selecting appropriate vendors with the ability to provide transportation facilities

· Choosing the most effective routes for transportation

· Discovering the most competent delivery method

· Using software and IT resources to proficiently handle related processes (Logistics management, 2018, para. 3).

Whether by land, sea or air, logistics management is challenging but critically necessary for efficient global transportation. In this regard, Feng and Yuan (2009) emphasize that, “Global logistics in business operation is playing a critical role in responding to the changing market demand in a world of globalization and mass customization. The efficiency of global distribution holds the key to success in international trade” (p. 623). Similarly, Parker (2004) emphasizes the need for streamlining the logistics management function in order to achieve the full benefits that can accrue to efficiency supply chain operations. In this regard, Parker (2004) point out that, “The global industry in which we operate, demands logistics management to plan and execute, customer-led, profit-driven tactics; where an array of alternative production and procurement methods are deployed simultaneously” (p. 10). In sum, logistics management involves all of the planning and control factors that are needed to deliver products to a desired location in a timely fashion at the lowest possible cost (Parker, 2004).

Moreover, logistics management practitioners have increasingly sought to identify ways to improve the efficiency of global transportation to reduce costs and add to companies’ bottom...…1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to more than 4 million TEUs per year, double that of Vancouver. Crane operations have improved substantially, from 40 container moves per hour to 53 per hour, thus reducing what is called dwell time.

· New warehouse facilities in Houston constructed by Wal-Mart (1.3 million sq. ft.) compliment a 1.4 million sq. ft. warehouse by Home Depot, and 1.5 million sq. ft. facility in Virginia by Target Stores.

· n Miami, there is a plan for $250 million of investments in port infrastructure, including port deepening by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Chan, 2010)

Similar initiatives are also underway in India, Mexico and China where berth capacity is being expanded dramatically to facilitate greater international trade (Chan, 2010). Likewise, South Africa has made significant investments in improving its global transportation capabilities, including expansions of their two major ports at Durban and Richards Bay which account for 79% of the country’s bulk cargo and 66% of its container and break-bulk cargoes (Mabuyakhulu, 2009).

Conclusion

The research showed that the world is truly becoming a smaller place due to innovations in logistics management that have facilitated the growth and maturity of the global transportation network. The research also showed that the value of the global transportation industry is projected to nearly double by 2023, and countries around the world are taking steps today in order to remain competitive in the international marketplace. An especially noteworthy finding that emerged from the research was the fact that more goods are being shipped on roadways than waterways. Finally, the research was consistent in emphasizing the need for additional innovations in technologies that can further improve the efficiencies of global transportation and logistics management.…