In spite its importance, logistics engineering often lags industry requirements, especially in terms of engineering-based needs. Filling the gap between education and practice, this brief but comprehensive volume covers the most basic material in the field of logistics engineering, making is suitable for those who require an overview of the topic. The book discusses logistics from historical and economic perspectives, covers the basic tools required for the study and practice of logistics, and reviews the metrics that can be used to evaluate progress. It then delves into activities that commonly fill the workdays of logisticians. The book closes with an excellent chapter on logistics as an integrating systems function.