English for Logistics (video): What is Logistics?

Logistics: planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of raw materials, inventory, and finished goods to point of consumption. (Definition as given in LoadDelivered’s video)

• to implement = to put into action
• the flow = continuous progression
• raw materials = substances such as coal or iron that are in their natural state before being transformed or changed by chemical processes
• finished goods =  are goods that have completed the manufacturing process, but have not yet been sold or distributed to the end user.

This video is by LoadDelivered, a third-party logistics (3PL)* company based in Chicago.

Listen to the following video and answer the comprehension questions and learn some key vocabulary. Answers to these questions, along with key vocabulary, will follow tomorrow.

1. According to the presenter, who is involved in logistics?

2. Logistically speaking, what has happened to every object in the room you are sitting in?

3. Why does he use the journey of a bottle of water as an example to explain the importance of logistics?

4. What part does the speaker say LoadDelivered plays?

5. What all is needed and transported to create a bottle of water?

6. Where do all the components for assembly arrive?

7. After assembly, describe the final journey of the bottled water.

8. According to the speaker, how important can the logistics provider’s role be and what example does he use?

9. What does he means when he says that they are “looking out for the big picture?”

10. What repercussions are mentioned if the bottled water isn’t delivered on time?

11. What does the speaker call “good logistics?”

*A third-party logistics provider is (abbreviated 3PL, or sometimes TPL) is a firm that provides service to its customers of outsourced (or "third party") logistics services for part, or all of their supply chain management functions. (Wikipedia)

What does “a third-party” mean. This does not mean that logistics companies are having lots of celebrations and parties. It isn’t all fun and games! 

This is a legal term to refer to an individual or group involved in an agreement or disagreement such as contracts or legal cases. In this case, other companies (the first party) who want to deliver their goods to a point of consumption (the second party) will hire an outside company (= to outsource) such as LoadDelivered (the third party) who will take the goods to their final location for them.