fourth-party logistics

Fourth-party logistics, also referred to as a Lead Logistics Provider (LLP), refers to a single service provider that manages all aspects of a customer's supply chain and acts as a single point of contact between the customer and multiple other logistics service providers and carriers. 4PLs have a large role within the supply chain and much broader responsibility and accountability in helping the customer reach its strategic goals.

See also: Lead Logistics Provider

Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL). A company that has the ability to oversee a vast network of supply chains is known as a 5PL, or fifth-party logistics provider. An organization hires a 5PL to handle the planning, coordination, and management of all supply chain operations. 5PL providers typically employ and oversee other 3PL and 4PL businesses to handle specific duties. For example, a logistics company manages the entire supply chain on behalf of the farmer from production to delivery.