A channel consisting of one or more independent producers, wholesalers or retailers that are seeking to maximize their own profits even at the expense of profits for the channel as a whole is a ________.

Logistics is a part of supply chain management that deals with the efficient forward and reverse flow of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption according to the needs of customers. Logistics management is a component that holds the supply chain together. (Source: Wikipedia)

There are four main types of logistics management:
Supply Management and Logistics
Distribution and Material Movement
Production Logistics and Management
Reverse Logistics and Product Return