Integrating 3PL in urban logistics organization

Odile Chanut () and Gilles Paché ()
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Odile Chanut: CRET-LOG - Centre de Recherche sur le Transport et la Logistique - AMU - Aix Marseille Université
Gilles Paché: CRET-LOG - Centre de Recherche sur le Transport et la Logistique - AMU - Aix Marseille Université

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Abstract: This article examines the evolution of supply networks as influenced by urban logistics, from the point of view of third party logistics (3PL) companies. 3PL are the firms which have facilitated the development of large retailers for thirty years by offering them highly complex systems of warehouses and platforms to supply stores efficiently. 3PL also initiated sophisticated logistical techniques to reduce stocks in store while controlling order picking costs. Their major strength is the achievement of significant economies of scale through resource sharing for several large retailers, resulting in ever larger warehousing infrastructures. As they developed pooling expertise early on, 3PL could acquire a prominent position in the emerging market in city logistics, in which local authorities are highly involved, a perspective that can only be considered if 3PL are able to develop a first mover advantage.

Keywords: city logistics; Europe; pooling; retailing industry; third party logistics (3PL); urban goods distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01771842
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Published in Problems and Perspectives in Management, 2012, 10 (2), pp.16-28

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