The Impact of Third-Party Logistics Intermediaries on Supply Chain Responsiveness

Abstract

To compete internationally, businesses organize global strategic networks (supply chains) to provide fast, efficient, and high-quality responses to demand anywhere in the world. To respond as quickly as possible to unforeseen demand, businesses choose to adopt a responsive supply chain strategy by engaging outsourcing companies. There is still a lack of empirical research on the impact of 3PLs on supply chain responsiveness. Therefore, the question does the provision of 3PL services have a significant impact on the responsiveness of the supply chain and does it allow for the generation of additional added value for the recipient companies still needs to be answered. The objective of given article is to assess the impact of third-party logistics intermediaries on supply chain responsiveness and to propose reasonable measures to manage this impact.