North American Logistics

Globalization induces the transport sector and supply chains to adapt to new functional and operational considerations. This is particularly the case for North America because of the geographical scale and scope of its production, distribution and consumption activities (Brooks, 2008; Rodrigue and Hesse, 2007). In a context where transport technology such as containerization has been a powerful force of homogenization in supply chain management, geography remains an important factor shaping freight distribution. The operational characteristics of freight distribution have to be reconciled with the regions they are taking place in. Regional characteristics, ranging from basic physiography to the regulatory framework, thus have a notable influence on how supply chain management is taking place. Modal preferences and locational behavior of terminals and distribution activities are among issues being influenced by regions that are taking place in. Four fundamental attributes characterize North American logistics: