A huge industry, transportation logistics-related companies face new struggles and challenges frequently due to technology, the economy and other factors, so keep up with all the industry news by reading transportation logistics publications whenever you can. Reading and learning from different sources can provide you with the knowledge you need to make sound business decisions that will grow your business into the future.

Publications in logistics offer you great resources for learning about breaking industry news, trends, technologies, best practices and so much more. As you search for transportation industry publications that best suit your needs, consider the following sources:

1. Order logistics books for background information and as reference tools.

2. Stay current on trends, news and events with logistics periodicals.

3. Take advantage of other available logistics publications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Include a book in your search for the best transportation logistics publication

Transportation logistics books make sound reference additions to your library that you can thumb through any time.

I recommend: Keep a copy of Michael B. Stroh's book, A Practical Guide to Transportation and Logistics, in your office. Published in 2006, this third edition reference book serves logistics professionals and students well by effectively covering outsourcing, warehousing and inventory management, technology evaluation and negotiation strategies. Order Plunkett's Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Almanac 2008. This 666-page reference book informs readers about exciting trends in logistics management, transportation, Just-In-Time delivery, warehousing and distribution, intermodal shipment systems, logistics services, purchasing and advanced technologies. To keep up with the legal side of the industry, read the 2004 book, Transportation, Logistics and the Law, a hardcover book by William J. Augello. This second edition covers the legal risks, costs and other traps that threaten smooth operations for any supply chain, as well as how to prevent problems and strategies for fixing the common legal hassles that face many logistics companies.

Subscribe to or bookmark your favorite transportation logistics magazines

Logistics magazines can provide you with quick access to facts, figures, advice and tips to help you build and improve your business.

I recommend: Bookmark Logistics Management and then register for a free subscription to the monthly print version of the magazine. Logistics executives, managers and professionals read the magazine because it examines the role of logistics in today's business practices and includes all modes of transportation services and new technologies affecting the industry. Keep Outsourced Logistics in your list of favorite magazines. Written for top-level executives and managers who buy and provide outsourced logistics services, the magazine concentrates on the issues, trends, technologies and business practices in supply chain management. Order a subscription to Traffic World and then visit the online companion website. First published in 1907, the weekly transportation logistics magazine covers the full range of freight transportation and logistics news.

Consider other transportation logistics publications when you need specific information

To keep up with developments in a particular aspect of the industry, read other sources like transportation logistics journals, newspapers and white papers.

I recommend: Purchase a subscription to the Transportation Journal, published quarterly by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. The logistics periodical covers air transport, international transport, logistics/physical distribution/supply chain management, management information systems and computer applications, motor transport, rail transport, regulation/law, traffic, and transport management, transport policy and water transport. Register for free at the American Journal of Transportation website. From there, you can gain access to the online companion to the print publication that serves as the transportation and logistics newspaper for North America. Get your information from single-topic publications in logistics like articles and reports. For example, download the Green Transportation & Logistics 2008 North American Report at the eyesfortransport website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides researching topics and keeping up with industry news, use logistics mags or some other transportation logistics publication for developing new networking opportunities and clients.