Introduction

Abstract

The area of logistics is important for the European economy in two ways. First, major expenditures of businesses are in logistics, thereby affecting and being affected by other economic activities. In the EU 17 logistics contributed to 5.5% of the GDP in 1997 (total logistics volume of 420 bn euros), 7.6% of the GDP in 2004 (total logistics volume of 730 bn euros) and 7.4% of the GDP in 2007 (total logistics volume of 837 bn euros) (Klaus and Kille 2008, p. 159; Klaus and Kille 2006, p. 43; Klaus and Mueller-Steinfahrt 2000, p. 42; International Monetary Fund 2009).1 Improving the efficiency of logistics may result in lower prices for consumers, higher profits for businesses, or both. The result could be a higher overall standard of living and/or a higher tax base. Thus, the area of logistics makes an important contribution to the economy as a whole.