(1) Enlightenment and emergence stage of the concept of logistics (1901-1949): During this period, people began to pay attention to logistics, but in terms of status, logistics is still regarded as an auxiliary function of circulation, and the concept of "logistics" was also put forward when studying circulation problems. For example, in 19 15, Arch W.Shaw put forward the concept of logistics in his book Some Problems in Market Distribution (published by Harvard University Press, 19 15). In the 1920s, Fred E.Clark, a famous American marketing expert, used this concept again when studying marketing problems, which generally refers to all physical distribution activities related to product sales. At that time, the United States also focused on the research of logistics (sales logistics), while the research of supply logistics was relatively few, which mainly showed three characteristics: first, the logistics management within the manufacturing industry was considered as a separate organizational function or field; Second, logistics is only an additional function of the transportation department; Third, the initial goal of establishing logistics department is only to reduce logistics costs.

(2) The formation of logistics theory system and the promotion stage of logistics practice (1950-1978): During this period, many papers, works and magazines on logistics began to appear, and meetings on logistics management began to be held frequently, which promoted the formation of logistics theory system and the promotion of logistics practice activities. For example, in 1954, at the 26th Boston Circulation Conference, Paul D. Compass delivered a speech entitled "The Other Half of Marketing", pointing out that both academia and industry should raise their awareness, study logistics in marketing, and really manage and develop logistics from a strategic height. From 65438 to 0956, The Role of Air Freight in Logistics, co-authored by Howard T. Levis, James W. Kristen and Jack D. Stiehler, introduced the concept of total cost analysis for the first time, proposed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of transportation modes from the perspective of total logistics cost, and deepened the content of logistics activity analysis. 65438-0962 peter drucker, a famous American expert, published a paper in Fortune magazine, pointing out that logistics is a "dark continent of economy" and should attach great importance to logistics management in circulation and circulation. 1963, the first professional logistics organization in the world-Logistics Management Association (CLM) was established. The purpose of CLM is to provide communication and training channels for cross-industry enterprises through annual meetings, regional conferences, academic conferences and publications.

③ Maturity and modernization stage of logistics theory (1979-1985): During this period, the American government formulated a series of logistics laws and regulations such as the Air Traffic Control Mitigation Act, which provided a broad space for logistics development. In addition, with the development and application of advanced management methods such as MRP, MRP ⅱ, DRP, DRP ⅱ and JIT in logistics management, people realize that logistics needs to be viewed from the whole process of production and circulation, and the rapid development of computer technology provides material basis and means for logistics modernization. Especially 1985, American Logistics Management Association officially changed its name from "National Logistics Council".

The transformation from "management" to "National Logistics Management Committee" marks the establishment of modern logistics concept. ④ The deepening development stage of logistics theory and practice (1986- present): During this period, people clearly realized that logistics is closely linked with production and marketing, and has become one of the three pillars supporting the competitiveness of enterprises. In practice, the development of logistics technology and logistics software is accelerating. For example, the application of EDI and expert system has improved the efficiency and accuracy of information transmission, brought about changes in transaction methods and laid a technical foundation for the in-depth development of logistics. The wide application of POS system and bar code technology in the field of logistics ensures the standardization and accuracy of logistics information collection, and improves the level of logistics management and overall efficiency. The publication of "US Department of Transportation 1997-2002 Fiscal Year Strategic Plan" has set a new milestone for the modernization of American logistics. 1997 -2002 In the five years, facing the challenges of global market and environment, cross-border security threats and changes in environmental factors such as communication and information revolution, through the implementation of the plan, the United States rebuilt the safest, most convenient, most economical and most effective transportation system in the world, providing more opportunities for the American people to choose flexibly.