Baluch offers his perspective on future trends in transport logistics

JOY ORLEK EVERY COMPANY, from small grocery store chains to multinationals like Nike, has learned that inventory management and distribution are the keys to improving supply chain performance, increasing the value for the customer, and lowering total logistics costs. So writes 32 year industry veteran Issa Baluch in his book ‘Transport Logistics – Past, Present and Predictions’ in which he confronts the challenges of today’s dynamic environment and shares his vision of its possibilities for the future. In his analysis of the changing role of the freight forwarder, he deals with the issue of outsourcing, pointing out the extent to which this has taken off globally (see table), with warehousing a key element, particularly in Western Europe. The 300-page book is however wide-ranging. It begins with the stories of Noah and Joseph, moves on to the globalisation of transport and the changing role of the freight forwarder, and ends with his predictions for the future. “Size is not the determining factor in a company’s success or failure,” says Baluch. Instead, each service provider will have a niche market that is determined by his size and reach. Even small freight logistics providers can retain their market share as long as they provide good service with modern logistics tools. It’s an easy and interesting read that challenges fellow freight transport professionals to learn from the past, improve the quality of their services and be prepared to reach new heights in the coming years. Published by Dubai-based Winning Books, it’s available from the publishers at US$65.