When you order something online and it shows up the next day, logistics activities, the behind-the-scenes processes that move goods from point A to point B. Also known as supply chain operations, they’re what make modern commerce possible—not just trucks and drivers, but systems, software, and skilled people working in sync. It’s not magic. It’s a chain of tasks: picking items in a warehouse, loading them onto trucks, clearing customs, tracking packages, and delivering them on time. Every step is a logistics activity, and if one breaks, everything slows down.
Behind every fast delivery is a warehouse management system, software that tells workers where to find items, how to pack them, and when to ship. Also known as WMS, it’s the brain of the warehouse. Without it, warehouses are chaotic. With it, a team can ship 10 times more orders with fewer mistakes. Then there’s freight forwarding, the hands-on job of moving goods across borders by coordinating carriers, paperwork, and customs rules. Also known as international shipping coordination, it’s not just booking a truck—it’s knowing which forms to fill, which ports are backed up, and how to avoid surprise fees. And let’s not forget logistics software, tools like SAP or Blue Yonder that plan routes, predict delays, and adjust shipments in real time. Also known as supply chain technology, this software doesn’t just help—it transforms how companies scale. These aren’t separate pieces. They work together. A WMS tells the software what’s in stock. The software tells the freight forwarder when to ship. The forwarder tells the carrier where to go. It’s a loop, and every link matters.
Whether you’re running an online store, shipping furniture across the UK, or moving office equipment for a business, understanding these logistics activities helps you make smarter choices. You’ll know when to pay for next-day delivery, why your package got stuck at customs, or how to cut shipping costs without slowing things down. Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of how systems like SAP and WMS actually work, what Amazon and Walmart do behind the scenes, and how to avoid the traps most people don’t even see coming.
Discover the three core activities that power e-commerce logistics: order fulfillment, transportation, and warehouse management. Learn how they work together to deliver fast, accurate shipments and keep customers coming back.
