Third-Party Logistics/3PL

A third-party logistics provider (abbreviated 3PL, or sometimes TPL) is a firm that provides a one-stop-shop service to its customers of outsourced (or “third party") logistics services for part, or all of their supply chain management functions. Third party logistics providers typically specialize in integrated operation, warehousing and transportation services that can be scaled and customized to customer’s needs based on market conditions and the demands and delivery service requirements for their products and materials.  (from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

3PL is defined as "A firm [that] provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Among the services 3PLs provide are transportation, warehousing, cross docking, inventory management, packaging, and freight forwarding.“ (from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals)