According to van Goor et al. [2], contract distribution can
be defined as contracting out the entire distribution
function and the related information function. Contract
distribution and the development of logistical partnerships
have been a recurrent theme in logistics management over
the past few years[e.g. 3-5]. It has surfaced repeatedly
in the trade press and has been explained by marketing
academics[6,7]. Distribution contractors differ widely in
the range of services they offer, the types of product they
handle, their geographical coverage and the extent to which