The changing marketplace for distribution: An operator's perspective

This article by Valerie Bence builds on case work done with a major logistics operator, Exel Logistics, and, by following its recent development, examines how the distribution market continues to change in both the European and international arena. Starting by outlining the company's evolution (pre-1989-1993), the article moves on to examine three of the main trends affecting the distribution industry, and thus the operators, over the same period; centralisation; the contracting out/in of distribution activities; and the Single European Market. These trends are discussed before considering how far Exel Logistics has gone both in dealing with marketplace changes and achieving its aim of becoming an international logistics operator.