Seven Great Historical Logisticians

Logisticians are dazzling masterminds who use ingenuity to transport cumbersome supplies across vast distances and over some of the world's most challenging terrain. These transportation experts used manpower and pure mechanical force to get things where they needed to be. Long before UPS and third-party logistics companies, these historic logisticians were laying the groundwork that powers commerce today. 

Over the next several weeks I will unveil seven of history's most innovative logisticians as told by Philip Rudy a contractor for Diakon Logistics. 

After all seven are revealed please let me know if we missed anyone. 

Drumroll please, in reverse order:

7. Christopher Columbus: A Logistical Pioneer

Logistical calculations weren't easy for the first explorers. In the open sea, communications systems were non-existent, and maps weren't available. 

On Columbus's first voyage, he was accompanied by 89 men who carried a variety of rations. These innovators didn't even know where they were going or how long it would take when the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria sailed into the sunset. 

When they finally saw Hispaniola, Columbus ran the Santa Maria aground. The crew had to be evacuated along with all of the supplies. These explorers gathered essential items locally and embarked on subsequent journeys to re-supply their forts. Sea journeys were carefully scheduled to ensure a continuous delivery of supplies. This cutting-edge strategy shaped today's continuous distribution systems.

Stay tuned for number 6.