Logistics is simple, but not easy.

Some things in life are simple, but not easy.  Logistics and dieting both belong to the simple, but not easy category.

The key to successful dieting is simple; just consume fewer calories than you burn off.  The equation is simple enough, but anyone who has ever dieted will tell you it is really hard.  Even with tons of experts, articles, diets, exercise programs, pills and other diet aids, dieters struggle to lose weight and keep it off.  We all know what to do, but we don’t necessarily do it.

From my own experience, dieting fails because we underestimate the difficulty of changing bad habits and developing the right eating habits.  We incorrectly assume a few months of being good (eating right and exercise) will undo a lifetime of bad habits and overeating.

Logistics is Simple

Logistics is the same as dieting.  The basics of moving freight are pretty simple, but there are always screw-ups.  The screw-ups happen because we underestimate the difficulty of logistics.  Simple, but not easy.

Just as the successful dieter develops good habits, the successful shipper must also develop good habits.

Good habits for shippers mean a process orientation, along with great documentation, consistent communication, a culture of continuous improvement, and a focus on metrics.

Develop good habits and logistics can be simple and easier (but never easy).

Logistics is simple, if you develop the habits outlined in this article – 7 Habits of Highly Effective Shippers