Transportation Logistics and Economic Decline: Politics, Infrastructure and the Recession

Final Project

Ricky Dartez – 4171437

TLMT498, Summer 2012

Dr. Ernest L. Hughes
October 28, 2012

Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Introduction…………………………………………….……………….………………………….4
The Scope of Logistics’ Economic Impact..…...………………………….……………………….5
The Economy of Logistics: Macro and Micro Perspectives…………….…………………………8
Impacts of the Great Recession……………………………………………………………….…..10
Transportation and Politics………………………………………………………………….….....14
Conclusion……………………………………………………….………………………….…….17
References………………………………………………………;…………………….………….19

Absract
This paper attempts to explain the cyclical
All of which directly affect the ability of organizations to make products available where demand exists, creating place utility and adding value to products. Transport vehicles and operations provide accessibility, expand distribution networks across markets, create economies of scale, and provide income for employment opportunities.
Figure 1. ©Hofstra University
Figure 1. ©Hofstra University
According to Coyle, Langley, Gibson, Novack & Bardi (2008) logistics activities also include such activities as warehousing and storage, industrial packaging, materials handling, inventory control, order fulfillment, demand forecasting, production planning and scheduling, procurement, customer service, facility location, return goods handling (i.e. reverse logistics), parts and service support, and salvage and scrap disposal (Coyle et al., 2008, p. 39). Figure 1 illustrates the various economic impacts that an efficient logistics and transportation system has on the U.S. economy. For the supply side of the economy, transport operations create income from fares and for wages, and also create access to wider distribution networks. Access to wider distribution networks, in turn, works to link the factors of production together.
On the demand side, transport networks creates productivity gains and time and cost savings through improved accessibility to an expanded range of suppliers and consumers. Transport networks work to expand opportunities to acquire and to