IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Logistics Service Providers: Collaboration with IFFs, 3PL, or 4PL Providers?

Logistics Service Providers: Collaboration with IFFs, 3PL, or 4PL Providers?
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Papadopoulou Eleni-Maria (Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece)
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 26
Source title: Outsourcing Management for Supply Chain Operations and Logistics Service
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Dimitris Folinas (Department of Logistics, ATEI-Thessaloniki, Greece)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2008-7.ch004

Purchase

View Logistics Service Providers: Collaboration with IFFs, 3PL, or 4PL Providers? on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Supply chain complexity is reflected through the existence of multiple logistics service providers (LSPs). The decision on the appropriate logistics partner is considered significant for the chain efficiency. The managerial problem relies in the providers’ efforts to broaden their service portfolio, thus erasing controversies concerning the identification of their core competences. This issue mainly lies in the selection among an International Freight Forwarder (IFF), a Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL), and a Fourth Party Logistics Provider (4PL). The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the characteristics and services offered by the LSPs, present the benefits and drawbacks from the collaboration with each entity, and finally form a framework regarding their representative features. The framework is articulated based on literature review and aims to provide a guideline to the interested chain members, enabling them to assess their needs against the LSPs’ characteristics.

Related Content

Zeynel Baran Yildirim, Mustafa Özuysal, Serhan Tanyel, Hilmi Evren Erdin, Mehmet Metin Mutlu, Oğuz Köse, Muhammed Alphan Kayacan. © 2026. 72 pages.
Eren Dağlı, Metin Mutlu Aydin. © 2026. 36 pages.
Aditya Singh. © 2026. 46 pages.
Gökhan Güven. © 2026. 44 pages.
Emre Ogutveren, Soner Haldenbilen. © 2026. 46 pages.
Sara Souaini, Jamal Benhra, Salma Mouatassim. © 2026. 24 pages.
Aye Thiri Nyunt, Brij Kotak, Ravi Chauhan, Rituraj Jain, Vedant Kesariya. © 2026. 34 pages.
Body Bottom