Step 1 – Read the description that David Garman gives of the different types of companies that offer distribution services, from ‘haulage’ and ‘storage’ companies through to those companies that provide management of a whole supply chain.

Step 2 – Visit the websites of some distribution and logistics companies. For example, you might start with some of the following: www.eddiestobart.co.uk, www.norbert-dentressangle.com, www.accenture.com (under ‘services’ look for supply chain management), www.logisticsonline.com.
Step 3 – Try to place some of the companies you have investigated on Garman’s hierarchy of types of logistics service provider.
Step 4 – What do you think are:
(a) The market promises that these companies make to their clients and potential clients?
(b) The operations capabilities they need to carry out these promises successfully?