what is 3pl

Third-party logistics (3PL) refers to the process of a company outsourcing some or most of its supply chain, often including domestic or international transportation, warehousing, inventory storage or management, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or other secondary services such as storage, packing or fulfillment. 3PL benefits include the ability to hire an expert in the field to manage shipping operations – someone who has worked to build industry relationships and knows the ins and outs of supply chains – ensuring efficiency and cost savings.

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.