The APLF was established in November of 1995 by logistics organisations from countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The APLF participating countries are Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Myanmar.

The APLF actively fosters and promotes professional development of purchasing, materials and logistics / supply chain management, and its key objectives are:

• To be the recognised voice for supply chain and logistics in the Asia Pacific Region.
• To promote and encourage greater recognition of the APLF by influencing the APAC region concerning the importance of supply chains and logistics.
• To promote and communicate the importance of the logistics services industry's contribution to Asia Pacific Regions economy.
• To upgrade educational standards of the profession by providing training and certification to meet the increasing demand for qualified and competent workforce in the Asia Pacific Region.