3PL VS. 4PL: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Solution for your Business

Do you need help in optimising your supply chain in today’s competitive market? The explosion of Ecommerce and an increasingly globalised market make efficient logistics a vital component in your competitive strategy.

Enter third-party logistics (3PL) and fourth-party logistics (4PL) providers—your keys to building a streamlined and efficient supply chain. These companies specialise in streamlining your supply chain, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

But what’s the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL provider, and how do you choose between the two? 

In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of 3PLs and 4PLs, demystifying their roles, responsibilities, and uses to help you make the right choice for your business.

 

WHAT IS A FOURTH-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDER (4PL)?

A fourth-party logistics provider (4PL) is a logistics partner that takes on a higher level of supply chain management compared to third-party logistics providers (3PL). A 4PL company oversees and coordinates the entire supply chain process, including managing 3PLs, optimising operations, integrating technologies, and providing end-to-end logistics solutions.

 

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A 4PL?

From managing 3PLs to coordinating your entire supply chain, 4PLs have a lot of responsibilities to consider. Just some of the responsibilities 4PLs have include supply chain optimisation, planning and analysis, and centralised logistics management.

One of the key responsibilities of a 4PL is supply chain optimisation. The 4PL provider is tasked with analysing and improving the entire logistics process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to customers. By doing this, a 4PL aims to help businesses achieve a more profitable and effective supply chain. 

Additionally, 4PLs offer strategic planning and analysis for logistics operations. They use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure that the supply chain aligns with the company’s broader business goals.

A 4PL also assumes full responsibility for end-to-end supply chain management. This includes overseeing every aspect of the logistics process. This includes such as warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and order fulfilment.

WHAT IS A THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDER (3PL)?

A 3PL (third-party logistics provider) is a company that specialises in various logistics services such as warehousing, transportation, and order fulfilment. 3PLs serve as the intermediary between your company and the carriers that deliver your products to customers. To learn more about 3PLs, explore our in-depth guide to 3PLs, or our handy article on 3PL vs. In-house: What’s the Difference.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A 3PL?

A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of the supply chain on behalf of their clients. Their key responsibilities include enhancing supply chain performance, increasing operational efficiency and executing logistics strategies. 

One of the chief tasks of 3PL providers is coordinating services among various logistics partners. They ensure smooth communication between all involved parties, which is essential for maintaining a cohesive supply chain.

To further optimise supply chain performance, 3PL providers often integrate advanced logistics technologies to improve visibility and control. These technologies enable better tracking, management, and analysis of supply chain activities.

Like 4PL providers, 3PL providers are also tasked with complete supply chain management. This involves developing and executing comprehensive logistics strategies that address the entire supply chain process, from procurement and transportation to warehousing and distribution.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 3PL AND 4PL?

There are some key differences between 3PLs and 4PLs, ranging from areas of focus to their distinct operational approach. The key difference between the two lies in their level of responsibility and control. 

A 3PL's process mainly focuses on the execution of specific logistics operations. They provide the assets and infrastructure necessary to move products efficiently within the supply chain.

On the other hand, a 4PL's process takes a more strategic approach, overseeing and managing the entire supply chain. They optimise your logistics operations by leveraging advanced technology, data analysis, and supply chain engineering to improve end-to-end performance. 

With a solid understanding of the differences between 3PL vs 4PL providers, you can choose which provider best aligns with your needs and growth objectives. See the table below to learn more.

	3PLs	4PLs
Order Fulfillment	3PLs handle the physical movement of goods	4PLs manage the entire fulfilment process, including coordinating with 3PLs
Supply Chain Optimisation	3PLs focus on specific logistics functions	4PLs develop comprehensive supply chain strategies
Communications	3PLs’ communication mainly revolves around their individual logistics services	4PLs act as a single point of contact for all supply chain activities, streamlining communication between various logistics partners
Areas of Focus	3PLs specialise in specific logistics services, such as warehousing, transportation, and order fulfilment	4PLs offer end-to-end supply chain management solutions
Relationships	3PLs’ relationships are often more transactional, concentrating on ensuring efficient execution of the agreed-upon tasks	4PLs often have stronger, long-term partnerships with clients, 3PLs and other logistics providers
Resources	3PLs typically own physical assets, like trucks and warehouses	4PLs rely on their strategic management capabilities

 

THE 3PL PROCESS:

1. RECEIVING INVENTORY: Accept shipments from suppliers and confirm the accuracy of delivered goods.
   
   
2. WAREHOUSING: Store products in an organised and efficient manner to ensure easy access and retrieval.
   
   
3. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT: Track product levels, monitor stock movements, and maintain accurate records for inventory control.
   
   
4. ORDER PROCESSING: Receive, process, and prepare customer orders for shipping.
   
   
5. SHIPPING: Coordinate with carriers, arrange transportation, and ship products to customers according to required delivery times.
   
   
6. RETURNS MANAGEMENT: Handle product returns, process refunds, and manage reverse logistics to get products back into inventory or dispose of them.
   
   
7. REPORTING & ANALYTICS: Provide data and insights on warehouse operations, inventory, and order fulfilment performance to help clients make informed decisions.

 

THE 4PL PROCESS:

1. STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT: Analyse logistics requirements and develop a tailored strategy to optimise supply chain performance.
   
   
2. PROVIDER SELECTION: Identify, select, and manage the best-suited 3PLs and other service providers to ensure efficient operations.
   
   
3. INTEGRATION & COORDINATION: Synchronise and oversee all logistics activities across multiple providers for streamlined execution.
   
   
4. TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION: Deploy and manage advanced technology systems to enable real-time visibility, communication, and analytics.
   
   
5. SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMISATION: Continuously assess and improve logistics processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement cost-effective measures.
   
   
6. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide data-driven insights to clients for informed decision-making.
   
   
7. COLLABORATION & INNOVATION: Work closely with you and logistics partners to drive continuous improvements and innovation in the supply chain.

 

HOW DO 4PLS AND 3PLS WORK TOGETHER?

3PLs and 4PLs often collaborate to deliver an end-to-end supply chain solution. The 4PL acts as a strategic orchestrator, managing the entire supply chain and coordinating the logistics functions performed by 3PLs. This cooperation allows the 4PL to optimise supply chain operations for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

4PLs can also offer guidance and support to 3PLs to enhance their performance and streamline their processes. In this partnership, the 4PL and 3PL play vital roles, with the 4PL focusing on strategic oversight and integration while the 3PL executes specific logistics services. This collaborative partnership ensures a well-managed and high-performing supply chain.

 

3PL VS 4PL: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Choosing between a 3PL or 4PL provider for your business involves assessing various factors that influence your supply chain’s efficiency. 

To help you with your 3PL vs 4PL decision, we’ve created a list of key factors you should consider to help you determine which logistics provider best aligns with your company’s needs and objectives.

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER: 

• BUSINESS SIZE & COMPLEXITY: Smaller businesses with less complex supply chains may benefit more from 3PL partners. Enterprise-level businesses with intricate supply chains may require the comprehensive management offered by 4PL partners.
  
  
• CONTROL & INVOLVEMENT: If you want to maintain more control and direct involvement in your supply chain management, a 3PL partner may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer to delegate logistics operations to an outside expert, a 4PL partner may be more suitable.
  
  
• SCALABILITY: If your business anticipates significant growth in the future, partnering with a 3PL may provide more flexibility to adapt to changes. 4PLs may offer better solutions for businesses that need comprehensive management and coordination across multiple 3PLs.
  
  
• COST: Typically, 4PL partners charge a premium for their services due to their expertise and the more extensive range of responsibilities they undertake. Consider your budget and the potential return on investment when deciding between a 3PL or 4PL partner.
  
  
• INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY: 4PLs are known for their ability to integrate advanced technology into supply chain management for optimisation and better control. You may find a 4PL more suitable if you seek robust technological integration. 

Read Dell EMC’s case study to learn how SEKO integrated global technology with its unique Transport Management System.

• GEOGRAPHIC REACH: Depending on the scope of your business, it’s essential to consider the geographic reach of your potential logistics partner. Some 3PLs may be more regional, while 4PLs usually offer global coordination and management.
  
  
• RANGE OF SERVICES: 3PLs generally provide targeted services like transport, warehousing, and completing orders. In contrast, 4PLs manage a more extensive array of services, encompassing the supervision of multiple 3PLs, comprehensive supply chain enhancement, and orchestration of diverse logistics functions.

 

3PL vs 4PL - How SEKO Can Help

SEKO is a leading 3PL partner that offers comprehensive logistics services tailored to your specific needs, including transportation, warehousing, order fulfilment, and end-to-end supply chain management solutions.

With a 45-year proven track record of success, we have helped countless businesses streamline their supply chain operations through advanced technology integration, global coverage, and scalable services.

Trust an award-winning logistics provider to handle your needs and watch your business thrive with our customised, efficient, and reliable solutions. Ready to explore what SEKO can do for you? Schedule a call with our logistics experts today!