What is the main goal of physical distribution management?

The main goal of physical distribution management is to minimize costs while maximizing customer service. This involves balancing the efficiency of logistics and the effectiveness of service delivery. Organizations strive to optimize their distribution processes to lower expenses associated with transportation, warehousing, and inventory management without compromising on the quality of service provided to customers.

By achieving this balance, companies can enhance customer satisfaction through timely product delivery and availability while simultaneously controlling costs. This is crucial in competitive markets, where both service quality and cost efficiency can significantly influence a company's success.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not encapsulate the primary focus of physical distribution management. Maximizing production capabilities pertains more to manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product availability speaks to inventory management, and increasing inventory turnover rates addresses the speed at which inventory is sold and replaced, rather than the overarching goal of cost management coupled with customer service.