What is Logistics? Comprehensive Guide (2026)

What is Logistics?

In its simplest definition, logistics is the process of transporting, storing, and managing products and services from the point of production to the point of consumption. However, the modern concept of logistics extends far beyond this basic definition.

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the world's largest logistics organization, defines logistics as follows [1]:

"Logistics management is that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements."

What Does Logistics Mean?

The word "logistics" derives from the Greek word "logistikos" (skilled in calculating) [6]. Historically used in the military field for the procurement and distribution of materials needed by armies, this concept has become an indispensable part of commercial life today [4].

Logistics activities include:

Transportation: Product transfer via road, sea, air, and rail
Warehousing: Storage of products under appropriate conditions
Inventory Management: Optimization of stock levels
Order Processing: Fulfillment of customer demands
Packaging: Preparing products for transportation
Information Management: Tracking and reporting of all processes

The Difference Between Logistics and Supply Chain

Many people confuse logistics and supply chain concepts. However, there are important differences between these two terms.

Feature	Logistics	Supply Chain
Scope	Transportation and storage	Entire process from raw materials to end consumer
Focus	Operational efficiency	Strategic management
Relationship	Part of the supply chain	Holistic system
Activities	Shipping, warehousing, distribution	Procurement, production, logistics, sales

Supply chain management involves the effective planning, coordinated and efficient execution, and control of all resources in the chain extending from suppliers' suppliers to manufacturers, logistics service providers, warehouses, retailers, and customers [3].

Logistics covers the transportation, storage, and distribution processes within this chain. In short, logistics is a sub-process of the supply chain [2][5].

Types of Logistics

1. What is Cold Chain Logistics?

Cold chain logistics is a specialized type of logistics that ensures products requiring transportation within a specific temperature range are transported under appropriate thermal conditions from the point of production to the point of consumption.

Products transported in cold chain:

Carcass meat and meat products
Frozen foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dairy products
Vaccines and pharmaceuticals
Live animals and fish
Flowers and plants

Temperature ranges:

Category	Temperature Range	Product Examples
Cool	+14°C / +22°C	Some medicines, chocolate
Cold	0°C / +4°C	Dairy products, fresh meat
Frozen	-18°C / -26°C	Frozen foods
Deep Frozen	-26°C and below	Special medical products

Why is it important?

Breaking the cold chain, even a few degrees of temperature change, seriously affects the shelf life and safety of products. Especially in foods refrigerated between 0 and +4 degrees, exceeding the specified temperature limits is sufficient for microbiological growth to begin [2].

As Sertel Group, with over 30 years of experience, we are one of Turkey's leading companies in carcass meat transportation and cold chain logistics.

2. What is 3PL Logistics?

3PL (Third Party Logistics) is when a company outsources its logistics and supply chain operations, which are outside its core business, to a specialized service provider.

3PL services include:

Transportation and shipping
Warehousing and inventory management
Order fulfillment and distribution
Customs clearance
Packaging and labeling
Reverse logistics (returns management)

Advantages of 3PL:

Cost savings: Outsourcing instead of investing in logistics infrastructure
Expertise: Benefiting from experienced teams in logistics
Flexibility: Scalable service according to demand
Focus: Ability to concentrate on core business
Technology: Access to modern tracking and management systems

Who is it suitable for?

3PL is ideal especially for small and medium-sized businesses, e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and fast-growing companies.

3. What is Warehouse Logistics?

Warehouse logistics is a branch of logistics covering the processes of storing, classifying, packaging, and preparing products for distribution.

Modern warehouse management includes:

Racking systems and layout optimization
Barcode and RFID technologies
Warehouse Management System (WMS) software
Automation and robotic systems
Inventory tracking and reporting

Types of warehouses:

General warehouses
Cold storage facilities
Bonded warehouses
Distribution centers
Cross-docking facilities

4. What is International Logistics?

International logistics covers all transportation, storage, customs clearance, and documentation processes required for conducting trade between countries.

Transportation modes:

Road: Fast delivery to Europe and neighboring countries
Sea: Economical solution for large volume cargo
Air: Fast transport for urgent and valuable cargo
Rail: Environmentally friendly alternative for long distances
Multimodal: Combination of multiple transportation modes

Considerations in international logistics:

Customs regulations and procedures
Export/import documents
Incoterms rules
Insurance and risk management
Country-specific regulations

Current Trends in the Logistics Sector

Digitalization and Technology

Today, the logistics sector is rapidly digitalizing:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Route optimization and demand forecasting
Internet of Things (IoT): Real-time tracking systems
Blockchain: Supply chain transparency
Big Data: Analytics and decision support systems
Automation: Warehouse robots and autonomous vehicles

Sustainable Logistics

With increasing environmental concerns, green logistics practices are gaining importance:

Low-emission vehicle fleets
Fuel savings through route optimization
Recyclable packaging materials
Energy-efficient warehouse systems

How to Choose a Logistics Company?

Criteria to consider when choosing the right logistics partner:

Experience and References: Years of experience in the sector
Service Scope: Variety of services offered
Technological Infrastructure: Tracking and reporting systems
Fleet and Equipment: Vehicle capacity and variety
Certifications: Quality certificates such as ISO, HACCP
Geographic Coverage: Regions served
Customer Support: 24/7 communication availability
Pricing: Transparent and competitive prices

Sertel Group Logistics Services

As Sertel Group, operating in the logistics sector since 1993, we offer the following services:

Domestic Transportation: Safe and fast delivery throughout Turkey
International Transportation: Transportation across Europe and worldwide
Cold Chain Logistics: Carcass meat, frozen food, and refrigerated transportation
Live Animal Transportation: Safe transport with specially equipped vehicles
Warehousing Services: Modern bonded warehouses and cold storage facilities

With over 30 years of experience and our professional team, we are here for your logistics needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is logistics in simple terms?

Logistics is the process of transporting, storing, and managing products from the point of production to the point of consumption.

What does a logistics company do?

Logistics companies provide services such as transportation, warehousing, customs clearance, packaging, and distribution, ensuring products reach the right place at the right time.

Why is cold chain logistics important?

Cold chain ensures temperature-sensitive products (meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals, etc.) are transported without spoilage, maintaining food safety and product quality.

What is the difference between 3PL and 4PL?

While 3PL manages specific logistics operations, 4PL undertakes the strategic management and coordination of the entire supply chain.

How can logistics costs be reduced?

Logistics costs can be reduced through route optimization, consolidation, selecting the right warehouse location, and using technology.

References

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). "CSCMP Supply Chain Management Definitions and Glossary." https://cscmp.org
TUBITAK Encyclopedia. "Logistics and Supply Chain Management." https://ansiklopedi.tubitak.gov.tr/ansiklopedi/lojistik_ve_tedarik_zinciri_yonetimi
SAP. "What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?" https://www.sap.com/products/scm/what-is-supply-chain-management.html
Kariyer.net. "What is Logistics?" https://www.kariyer.net/sozluk/lojistik/lojistik
Logistics World. "Supply Chain, Logistics and Procurement." http://www.lojistikdunyasi.net/tedarik-zinciri-lojistik-ve-satin-alma-2.html
Wikipedia. "Logistics." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistics

Last Updated: January 2026

Author: Sertel Group Logistics Content Team

This content is for informational purposes. For detailed information about our logistics services, please contact us.