Third-party logistics providers include freight forwarders, courier companies, and other companies integrating and offering subcontracted logistics and transportation services. Hertz and Alfredsson (2003) describe four categories of 3PL providers: [ 4 ], What is Third-Party Logistics (3PL)? Third party logistics is outsourcing the supply chain operations and logistics to get a company’s products to their customer. The logistics solutions that 3PLs offer include receiving, storing, packing, and shipping services. Some 3PL companies also provide other logistics services, referred to as value , A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. In business, 3PL has a broad meaning that applies to any service contract that involves storing or shipping items., A third-party logistics company (3PL) is a service provider that either arranges or handles a variety of supply chain functions for a business. Businesses will outsource areas of their supply chain management to 3PLs to gain efficiency, expertise and/or cost savings. What Does a 3PL Do? 3PLs offer a wide range of supply chain services., What is third-party logistics (3PL)? ShipBob’s expert definition. Third-party logistics (or 3PL) refers to the outsourcing of ecommerce logistics processes such as inventory management, warehousing, and fulfillment to a third-party business. 3PL providers allow ecommerce merchants to accomplish more, and equip them with the tools, infrastructure, and processes to automate retail order , Third-party logistics companies, commonly known as 3PLs, deliver outsourced logistics and supply chain management functions as third-party providers. Businesses of all sizes and industries use 3PL services to improve supply chain efficiency and streamline operations..