Creating Valuable Relationships with Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: A Multiple-Case Study

Eric Owusu Darko and Ilias Vlachos
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Eric Owusu Darko: Tel Energy Ltd., No. 2 Nii Sai Road, East Legon, Accra, Ghana

Logistics, 2022, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: Background : 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. Methods: Qualitative research and multiple case studies from four different industries were used. Semi-structured interviews were adopted. Results: 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. Conclusions: Consistent performance increases commitments from both partners. Implications, limitations and future research suggestions are provided.

Keywords: third-party logistics; supply chain; value creation; business relationships; decision making; case study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:6:y:2022:i:2:p:38-:d:837642

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