3PL, 4PL and LLP Fulfillment Services

In an earlier post from the MyFulfillment Company Blog we discussed the difference between 3PL (third party logistics) and 4PL logistics. Here, we will discuss another option for business owners looking to scale up and increase efficiencies, LLP (lead logistics provider) fulfillment services.

While researching this piece we came across a simple, easy to remember, explanation from Food Logistics which states a 3PL manages outsourced logistics and distribution activities for a specific customer, while a 4PL manages customer 3PLs. Ok, fair enough but where does the LLP fulfillment service provider fit in, they are essentially 4PL.

Supply Chain and Fulfillment Services

Let’s take a quick detour from the semantics of 3PL, 4PL or LLP fulfillment services and revisit the fundamental differences between supply chain and fulfillment services. Imagine a route that your merchandise must travel to reach its destination. That entire journey is the supply chain while the specific roads taken, for example, from where the item is picked from a warehouse, packed into boxes and shipped is order fulfillment.

End-to-End Logistics Management

A lead logistics provider, LLP, is more than a single managed service like delivery or a liaison with multiple responsibilities. A good LLP handles all phases in the supply chain. They are responsible for cost management and vendor relationships. A great LLP is like a corporate business partner who sees his or her role as mutually beneficial. For business owners dealing with high volume a trustworthy LLP is a must.

Our blog provides many helpful articles, here are a few select posts to get started:

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