Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study
<i>Background</i><i>:</i> Logistics service outsourcing in recent years has influenced the evolution of third-party logistics (3PL) providers across the globe. The study explored the evolving services of 3PLs and relational factors that influence the relationship with their c...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-06-01
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| Series: | Logistics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/2/38 |
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| author | Eric Owusu Darko Ilias Vlachos |
| author_facet | Eric Owusu Darko Ilias Vlachos |
| author_sort | Eric Owusu Darko |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <i>Background</i><i>:</i> Logistics service outsourcing in recent years has influenced the evolution of third-party logistics (3PL) providers across the globe. The study explored the evolving services of 3PLs and relational factors that influence the relationship with their customers. <i>Methods:</i> Qualitative research and multiple case studies from four different industries were used. Semi-structured interviews were adopted. <i>Results:</i> The findings show that aside from logistics and warehousing the customer expects 3PLs to create value through more decision-making responsibilities, such as managing the customer’s relationship with 3PLs, and customised services that will make them competitive. Furthermore, the results showed that to achieve relationship performance, trust must be collaborative from the start, which increases information sharing and leads to an improved relationship performance. <i>Conclusions:</i> Consistent performance increases commitments from both partners. Implications, limitations and future research suggestions are provided. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-104f19dcc80c4671ad2e5dea7ef45c45 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2305-6290 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2022-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Logistics |
| spelling | doaj-art-104f19dcc80c4671ad2e5dea7ef45c452025-08-20T02:44:42ZengMDPI AGLogistics2305-62902022-06-01623810.3390/logistics6020038Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case StudyEric Owusu Darko0Ilias Vlachos1Tel Energy Ltd., No. 2 Nii Sai Road, East Legon, Accra, GhanaSupply Chain, Purchasing and Project Management Department, Excelia Business School, Excelia Group, 17000 La Rochelle, France<i>Background</i><i>:</i> Logistics service outsourcing in recent years has influenced the evolution of third-party logistics (3PL) providers across the globe. The study explored the evolving services of 3PLs and relational factors that influence the relationship with their customers. <i>Methods:</i> Qualitative research and multiple case studies from four different industries were used. Semi-structured interviews were adopted. <i>Results:</i> The findings show that aside from logistics and warehousing the customer expects 3PLs to create value through more decision-making responsibilities, such as managing the customer’s relationship with 3PLs, and customised services that will make them competitive. Furthermore, the results showed that to achieve relationship performance, trust must be collaborative from the start, which increases information sharing and leads to an improved relationship performance. <i>Conclusions:</i> Consistent performance increases commitments from both partners. Implications, limitations and future research suggestions are provided.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/2/38third-party logisticssupply chainvalue creationbusiness relationshipsdecision makingcase study |
| spellingShingle | Eric Owusu Darko Ilias Vlachos Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study Logistics third-party logistics supply chain value creation business relationships decision making case study |
| title | Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study |
| title_full | Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study |
| title_fullStr | Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study |
| title_short | Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study |
| title_sort | creating valuable relationships with third party logistics 3pl providers a multiple case study |
| topic | third-party logistics supply chain value creation business relationships decision making case study |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/2/38 |
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