Third-party logistics providers

Warehonses are one area within the supply chain where contractor staff are sometimes used on a regnlar basis. Contractor staff are often used at short notice to cover for sickness or other nnplanned absences, or to provide additional resources at peak busy periods to supplement the existing operators. Another area that may involve the use of contractor staff is the logistics and transportation process that delivers the goods to the licensed wholesaler. In this instance, often the entire operation is snbcontracted to a third party. 

What are some of the benefits of using a third-party logistics provider ... 

As a result, the focus of supply chain processes is shifting from inside-out to outside-in. To connect a network of smaller networks of suppliers, logistics providers, and third-party manufacturers, there is a shift from a vertical focus or building functional excellence in operations to the building of horizontal processes to connect value networks. In this transition, compaiues learn that they must break... 

The 4-tier post-sale reverse logistics network presented in this study consists of production plants, repair facilities, collection centers, and disposal centers (Fig. 26.1). A third party logistics service provider (3PL) is responsible for providing... 

This scenario states a third-party logistics firm or shipper to query for the status of one or more shipments and a transport service provider to respond to the query. 

Third-party logistics providers. Using logistics specialists to fulfill basic supply chain functions will enable companies to focus on core competencies. 

The projection of warehouse items five to ten years into the future, considering direct-store-delivery (DSD), and store-direct items from other wholesalers (such as Certified Grocers and frozen food third-party logistics providers)... 

This case describes the role of consolidation centers in the lean supply chain. The description here articulates the rules for designing a consolidation center, a supply chain middle man that makes the total chain more effective. Consolidation centers are playing an increased role in many supply chains, particularly as feeders to manufacturing operations that produce complex products with many components. Every supplier cannot or will not link its operations with its customers. The consolidation center enables this linkage — at least until better suppliers can be found. In some cases, consolidation centers are under the control of third-party logistics providers responsible for ordering material, its transportation, and its preparation for the manufacturing center. 

Breadman A term applied to automatic replacement of inventory by third-party logistics providers, normally distributors. The analogy is the breadman who replenishes stock in the grocery store on a regularly scheduled basis. A related term is milk run. The term can also apply to types of vendor-managed inventory. 

Third party logistics provider A company specializing in performing logistics-related services for its customers. Examples include warehouse, transportation, and product assembly. Also called 3PL. ... 

Whether to outsource transportation decision making and execution to a third party logistics (3PL) provider... 

The distribution tier receives customer requirements and is responsible for delivering required products or services. It involves such general units as warehouses, distribution centers, and cross-docking points. These units are grouped into distribution sub-tiers. Alternatively, supply chain units in the distribution tier can be classified as wholesalers, retailers, and brokers. Third-party logistics providers present a special case for belonging to the distribution tier. In some situations, these can be represented by a single supply chain node. 

Murphy P.R., Poist R.R, 2000, Third-Party Logistics Some User Versus Provider Perspectives, Journal of Business Logistics, 21(1), pp. 121-133. 

Foggin et al. (2004) A supply chain diagnostic tool to determine problems, inefficiencies, or needed improvements in a client s, or a potential client s supply chain that the third party logistics provider can effectively address. 

Bolumole, Y.A., 2001. The supply chain role of third-party logistics providers. International Journal of Logistics Management 12, 87-102. 

Hertz, S. and M. Affedsson, 2003. Strategic development of the third party logistics providers. Industrial marketing management 32,139-179. 

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