Defining 1PL-6PL
From planes, trains, trucks, and boats to warehouses, cutting-edge technology, and the folks keeping it running, our supply chain is complex and constantly evolving.
10 different experts might have 10 different definitions for T&L providers and their unique roles in the industry, but this is the breakdown our team can all still align on.
Defining 1PL-6PL
1PL: Direct Delivery - A seller that provides their own transport services
2PL: Transportation Companies - A courier or shipper that transports product from a seller to its final destination
3PL: Logistics Service Provider/Transportation Intermediary - A logistics company that provides management of their customer's supply chain, brokering services from 2PL transportation companies
4PL: Supply Chain Consultant & Logistics Service Provider - A logistics company that optimizes a seller's supply chain and then manages the 3PL to package, organize, and then transport goods
5PL: Full Service Expert Logistics Service Provider - A logistics company that optimizes and manages a seller's complete supply chain network from raw material supply to finished and transported products
6PL: Next Generation Full Service Providers Utilizing AI/Technology - A logistics company that utilizes AI and real-time data to continuously optimize and manage a seller's complete supply chain network from raw material supply to finished and transported products
How do you define 1PL-6PLs? What do you think we expect from a 7PL down the road?