4PL Services
Discover and compare the best 4PL Services solutions for your supply chain business
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What are 4PL Services?
Fourth-party logistics (4PL) providers manage and orchestrate other logistics providers (3PLs, carriers, forwarders) on behalf of a customer. The 4PL acts as a single point of contact, owns the technology and processes, and is accountable for end-to-end performance even though it usually doesn't operate the trucks or warehouses itself.
Key features
Single accountability
One provider owns supply chain performance across multiple 3PLs and carriers.
Network design and optimization
Strategic decisions about facilities, modes, and partners across the network.
Managed transportation
Run the procurement, execution, and reporting of freight across the network.
Technology
TMS, WMS, visibility, and analytics layers that span all underlying providers.
Continuous improvement
Ongoing optimization of cost, service, and resiliency across the supply chain.
Who uses it
Manufacturers and Shippers
Manufacturers use 4PLs to outsource the complexity of managing many 3PLs, carriers, and forwarders.
Retailer / eCommerce
Retailers use 4PLs for global, cross-region orchestration of fulfillment and transportation.
3PL
3PLs partner with or operate as 4PLs to expand from execution to orchestration.
Freight Forwarder
Forwarders increasingly offer 4PL-style orchestration alongside their core forwarding services.