International Logistics Channels Available to Purchase

The concept of channels has long been used to analyse and understand the functions of domestic marketing and distribution. The concept is carried further and used as an aid in understanding international logistics. Three channels are discussed: the international transaction and payment channel; the international distribution channel (through which the goods physically move); and the documentation/communications channel. Third parties or middlemen frequently appear in channels to facilitate their operations;they are mentioned briefly as are constraints on the smooth, uninterrupted flows through channels.