There are two main types of logistics providers – 3rd party logistics (3PL) and 4th party logistics (4PL). Both offer a range of services that can help businesses streamline their operations, but there are some key differences between the two.
3PLs typically provide transportation and warehousing services, while 4PLs offer a more comprehensive suite of supply chain management services. 4PLs are often considered to be an extension of a company’s own internal logistics team, working closely with them to develop customized solutions.
In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between 3PL and 4PL services to help you determine which option is most suitable for your business.
Third-party logistics (3PL) is the process of outsourcing logistics and transportation functions to a third party. 3PL providers typically specialize in one or more areas of logistics, such as warehousing, transportation, packaging, and order fulfillment. By outsourcing these functions to a 3PL provider, businesses can save time and money while still maintaining control over their supply chain.
There are many benefits to using a 3PL provider, including:
Since 3PL providers specialize in logistics and transportation, they are able to provide these services at a lower cost than most businesses could on their own. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses that use 3PL services.
Outsourcing logistics and transportation to a 3PL provider can give businesses more flexibility in terms of how they manage their supply chain. This can be particularly helpful for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations in demand or that need to quickly adapt to changes in the marketplace.
Since 3PL providers are focused on logistics and transportation, they can often provide better customer service than businesses that try to handle these functions on their own. This improved customer service can lead to increased sales and higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Working with an experienced 3PL provider means that you’ll be well on your way to streamlining your supply chain and improving your shipping and logistics.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of how the 3PL process works, let’s take a closer look at each of these steps in more detail.
The first step in the 3PL process is identifying the need for outsourcing. This usually happens when a retailer or ecommerce company realizes that it doesn’t have the resources or expertise to handle its own logistics operations. For example, a company might outsource its logistics if it is experiencing rapid growth and can’t keep up with the demand for its products.
Once the need for outsourcing has been identified, the next step is to contact several 3PLs and request quotes. This is important because it allows the retailer or eCommerce company to compare prices and services before making a decision.
After receiving quotes from multiple 3PLs, the retailer or ecommerce company will select one based on price, services offered, and other factors. For example, a company might choose a 3PL that offers a lower price but doesn’t have as much experience.
Once a 3PL has been selected, the next step is to sign a contract. This contract will outline the services that the 3PL will provide, as well as the price. It’s important to read this contract carefully before signing it, as it will be binding.
After the contract has been signed, the next step is to ship the products to the 3PL’s warehouses. This is usually done via truck or train.
Once the products have arrived at the 3PL’s warehouses, they will be stored there until an order is placed. When an order is placed, the 3PL will pick the products from their shelves, pack them into boxes, and ship them to the customer. The whole process is usually automated, which makes it very efficient.
4PL services are a type of supply chain management that helps businesses streamline their operations. 4PLs act as an extension of the company, providing end-to-end solutions that cover everything from sourcing and procurement to logistics and transportation.
4PLs can be especially helpful for businesses that have complex supply chains or that operate in multiple countries. By partnering with a 4PL, companies can avoid the need to manage multiple suppliers and service providers, which can save time and money.
There are many benefits to working with a 4PL, here are three of the most important benefits:
4PL providers can help you save money on your supply chain costs by consolidating multiple suppliers into one contract. This can lead to significant savings on transportation and warehousing costs.
4PL providers can help you streamline your supply chain operations, leading to improved efficiencies and reduced costs. By consolidating multiple suppliers into one contract, 4PL providers can also help you reduce inventory levels and improve order management.
4PL providers offer a wide range of services, including transportation management, warehousing, and logistics consulting. This allows you to outsource all or part of your supply chain operations to a single provider, which can lead to improved efficiencies and cost savings.
A 4PL provider manages the entire supply chain process for a company, from procurement to delivery. Here’s a look at how the 4PL process works:
The 4PL process is designed to streamline the supply chain and make it more efficient. It can save companies time and money by reducing costs and improving communication between all parties involved in the supply chain.
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that provides outsourced logistics services to clients. A 4PL, on the other hand, is a company that integrates and manages the entire supply chain for its clients.
3PL providers typically specialize in one or more areas of logistics, such as transportation, warehousing, or freight management. 4PL providers, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach to managing the supply chain. They often have their own in-house staff of logistics experts as well as a network of partner companies that they work with to provide comprehensive logistics solutions.
Some of the key differences between 3PL and 4PL companies include:
3PLs focus on transportation and warehousing, while 4PLs offer a much wider range of services that often includes those of a traditional 3PL, plus value-added services such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and even package design.
3PLs typically work with smaller businesses who don’t have the internal resources to manage their logistics needs, while 4PLs are usually engaged by larger companies with more complex supply chains.
3PL contracts are generally shorter in duration and less comprehensive than 4PL contracts, which are typically longer-term and all-encompassing.
3PLs typically charge by the hour or by the mile, while 4PLs often charge a monthly retainer plus a variable fee based on the services provided.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a 3PL and a 4PL, but there are some key considerations that can help you make the best decision for your business. Here’s a quick overview of the main differences between these two types of logistics providers:
3PLs offer traditional logistics services such as warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment. They typically don’t offer value-added services such as strategic planning or supply chain management.
4PLs, on the other hand, are more like end-to-end supply chain solution providers. In addition to traditional logistics services, they also offer value-added services such as inventory management, transportation management, and supply chain consulting.
When it comes to choosing between a 3PL and a 4PL, the most important consideration is your business’s specific needs. If you just need basic logistics services, then a 3PL is probably the best solution for you. But if you need more comprehensive supply chain management, then a 4PL is likely a better fit.
Looking to learn more about outsourcing your warehousing, logistics, distribution, and inventory management? One Warehousing are Australia’s leading provider of flexible, affordable, and effective warehousing solutions. For more information on how we can help your growing business, get in touch with the team today.
