The most interesting aspect of the third-party logistics business is the exposure one has to commercial practices across a variety of international business models. Over 17 years I have had the good fortune to provide logistics- and transportation-related services to clients whose activities traverse the spectrum of industry, geography and culture. Whether in a cereal factory in Queretaro, Mexico or a cellular phone plant in Budapest, Hungary, the ability to simultaneously participate in and observe contemporary business can be a prodigious source of knowledge.

While the third-party logistics industry does serve as a window into the mechanics of import/export trade, true knowledge comes from an understanding of how business processes interact with and depend upon one another every day. Extending one's frame of reference beyond functional expertise allows for a more holistic approach to operations, thus providing businesspeople with a full view of the results of their tactical decisions.

This axiom is applicable to any business environment, but is particularly salient for a global production model. As products make the transition from raw materials to finished goods, comprehension of the dynamics between purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, sales and accounting is vital to the success of an organization. Of greatest importance, however, is the linking of operational execution with the bottom line financial performance of the enterprise.

In recognition of this point, it was in April of 2000 that work began on a pair of international trade seminars entitled "The Role of Logistics in Supply Chain Management" and "The Financial Measurement of...