Distribution logistics have been strongly affected by recent economic trends: globalization of markets, deregulation of the European freight traffic, a growing part of just-in-time deliveries and both increased competition and strategic cooperation between all parties involved. The book covers...

The complexity of distribution systems is augmented by various trends: globalization of the manufacturing industry, rising customer demands, and the reverse flows within closed-loop systems. In this light, the need for 'advanced' planning methods that are based on quantitative optimization is...