local, regional and global levels. One of the most basic relationships of transportation involves how much space can be overcome within a given amount of time. The faster the mode, the larger the distance that can be overcome within the same amount of time. Transportation, notably improvements in transport systems, changes the relationship between time and space. When this relationship involves easier, faster and cheaper access between places, this result is defined as a space/time convergence because the amount of space that can be overcome for a similar amount of time increases significantly.

Direct shipment is a method of delivering goods from the supplier or the product owner to the customer directly. In most cases, the customer orders the goods from the product owner. This delivery scheme reduces transportation and storage costs, but require additional planning and administration. 

Direct shipment is a common practice in industries that rely on outsourced manufacturing to a big extent, like high-tech, apparel and footwear as well as durables industries. (see Fig. 1.2)

Fig. 1.2

Advantages and disadvantages of direct shipment

Direct shipments eliminate the expenses of operating a DC and reduce lead times. Many sellers prefer this type of shipping because it takes a lot of the logistical problems off. The manufacturer provides the packaging and shipping labels for the items and holds a merchant shipping account, so the seller doesn't have to. This is especially helpful for small businesses and those that are just starting up, since they don't have to have a lot of cash on hand to pay for packaging and shipping before they can start shipping items. On the other hand, if a typical customer shipment size is small and customers are dispersed over a wide geographic area, a large fleet of small trucks may be required. As a result, direct shipment is common when fully loaded trucks are required by customers or when perishable goods have to be delivered timely.