The Emerging Role of the Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) as an Orchestrator

The connectivity and communication requirements of leading supply chains have created the emergence of a more advanced role for third‐party logistics providers 3PLs. They have evolved from providing logistics capabilities to becoming orchestrators of supply chains that create and sustain a competiti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of business logistics 2011-03, Vol.32 (1), p.40-54
Main Authors: Zacharia, Zach G., Sanders, Nada R., Nix, Nancy W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Competitive advantage
Freight forwarding
Logistics
orchestrator
outsourcing
Studies
supply chain management
Supply chains
Third party
third-party logistics provider (3PL)
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Summary:The connectivity and communication requirements of leading supply chains have created the emergence of a more advanced role for third‐party logistics providers 3PLs. They have evolved from providing logistics capabilities to becoming orchestrators of supply chains that create and sustain a competitive advantage. This article uses a theoretical perspective based on resource‐based theory, network theory and transaction cost economics, and a thorough literature review, to develop a model with seven propositions. Finally, using structured interviews of industry executives from a leading 3PL, we offer empirical support for the model and propositions that can be used to define the orchestrator role of a 3PL.
ISSN:0735-3766
2158-1592
DOI:10.1111/j.2158-1592.2011.01004.x