Gartner defines a third-party logistics (3PL) provider as a logistics service provider that moves, stores and manages the flow and distribution of products and materials on behalf of its customers for a fee without taking ownership. The 3PL will typically provide and manage operations that must include warehousing, transportation or value-added services that can be scaled and customized to the shipper’s needs. 3PL providers solve the challenge of efficiently managing the movement, storage and distribution of goods by enabling companies to outsource complex logistics operations, thereby reducing operational costs, improving supply chain visibility and supporting business scalability.
Transportation track and trace/visibility tools and reporting.
International logistics management, such as air and ocean freight forwarding, multimodal transport including customs brokerage.
Warehousing, consolidation and deconsolidation, cross-docking, distribution and fulfillment (contract logistics), including storage, inventory management, last-mile distribution, order fulfillment and returns management.
Transportation management and freight brokerage, including load management and dispatch, and multimodal transport operations (e.g., road, parcel, intermodal, rail, etc.)
Kuehne + Nagel International Logistics Services is a service that provides solutions for supply chain and logistics management, including ocean freight, air freight, contract logistics, overland transport, and integrated logistics. The service supports businesses with cargo shipping, warehousing, distribution, customs brokerage, and supply chain visibility through digital platforms. It addresses business needs for efficient movement and storage of goods, helps optimize inventory levels, and streamlines transportation management to enable timely delivery and cost control across global and regional markets. The service also facilitates documentation, compliance, and risk management throughout the logistics process.
DHL Supply Chain International Logistics Services software is designed to facilitate the management and optimization of global supply chain operations. The software streamlines processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation, and warehousing across diverse regions. It integrates real-time tracking and reporting capabilities, enabling users to monitor shipments and logistics activities from origin to destination. The software provides tools for planning and executing logistics workflows, managing customs compliance, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders involved in supply chain activities. By automating and digitizing logistics functions, the software helps businesses address challenges related to the complexity and efficiency of international movement of goods, supporting improved operational control and visibility.
FedEx Logistics Supply Chain Services is a software designed to support businesses in managing logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations. The software provides tools for inventory management, order fulfillment, freight forwarding, and distribution, enabling organizations to optimize movement of goods and manage shipments across global networks. It offers features for tracking and visibility of products, customs brokerage support, and data analytics to improve operational efficiency. By leveraging integrated technology, the software helps address challenges such as shipment delays, inventory discrepancies, and complex regulatory requirements, facilitating streamlined handling of goods from origin to destination within supply chains.
DHL Supply Chain Warehouse Services is a software designed to manage and optimize warehouse operations within supply chain environments. The software includes functionalities such as inventory management, order fulfillment, inbound and outbound logistics coordination, and process automation. It addresses business challenges related to inventory accuracy, storage space utilization, and operational efficiency by providing real-time tracking and analytics for goods within warehouses. The software enables integration with transport and distribution networks, supports regulatory compliance requirements, and helps ensure seamless handling of various product categories. It is geared toward supporting complex warehousing needs and improving workflow productivity for organizations with diverse logistics demands.
UPS Supply Chain Transportation-Related Services software provides a suite of logistics and transportation management solutions designed to help businesses optimize the movement of goods. The software enables users to plan and manage shipments, track deliveries, and coordinate distribution operations across various transportation modes such as air, ocean, rail, and road. It offers features for freight forwarding, import and export management, and customs brokerage. The software supports supply chain visibility through real-time shipment tracking and analytics, which helps organizations address shipping efficiency and inventory control challenges. This software aims to address business needs related to reliable transportation, end-to-end shipment visibility, and streamlined global trade compliance.
DHL Supply Chain’s transport services are built on proven robust platforms and systems that enable them to be scalable. This means they can quickly expand, or contract, based on customer needs, helping to manage the peaks and troughs of business fluctuations and embed adaptability at speed.
A flexible range of transport solutions include dedicated transport for guaranteed transport resource, or multi-user networks for cost-efficiency and quick access. Multimodal transport – using rail or sea - prevents border delays and cross-docking reduces or eliminates warehousing, storage, and excess handling costs.
Expeditors International Logistics Services is a software designed to facilitate and manage global logistics and supply chain operations for businesses. The software provides tools for transportation management, customs compliance, cargo tracking, and supply chain visibility across multiple modes, including air, ocean, and ground. It assists organizations in coordinating freight forwarding, shipment documentation, and regulatory compliance. The software helps address business challenges related to the efficient movement of goods, schedule management, and supply chain transparency, supporting users in optimizing operational workflows and meeting regulatory requirements for international shipping and logistics activities.
C.H. Robinson Third-Party Logistics services provide shippers with access to 450,000+ contract carriers and a full suite of domestic and global transportation solutions. Services span truckload, LTL, ocean, air, intermodal, last‑mile, cross‑border, and customs brokerage. Managing the full logistics lifecycle—from planning and supplier coordination to exception management and tracking—to continuous improvement to reduce costs and streamline operations. The Lean AI platform blends a lean operating model, advanced AI, and expert logisticians to improve visibility, decision‑making, and adaptability in a volatile market. Partnering with C.H. Robinson helps shippers optimize supply chains, simplify complexity, access global capacity, and gain technology‑driven insights.
Expeditors Transportation-Related Services software is designed to manage and support various aspects of logistics and supply chain operations. The software provides capabilities such as freight forwarding, customs brokerage, cargo tracking, and supply chain visibility. It enables businesses to coordinate international and domestic transportation, manage documentation, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The software aims to streamline the movement of goods by integrating shipment management, route optimization, and cargo monitoring features. This software addresses logistical challenges by enhancing communication, reducing process inefficiencies, and supporting end-to-end visibility in transportation networks.
Kuehne + Nagel Transportation-Related Services is a service that enables businesses to manage and optimize the movement of goods across various transportation modes including air, sea, road, and rail. The service provides solutions for freight forwarding, supply chain management, and logistics coordination to support the requirements of global trade. It aims to address challenges such as route planning, shipment tracking, customs clearance, documentation, and regulatory compliance. The service offers digital tools for visibility into shipment status and analytics for improving operational efficiency. It is designed to support organizations in managing complex logistics networks and facilitating timely delivery of products to their destinations.
Uber Freight is a software that facilitates logistics management by connecting shippers with carriers to streamline the transportation of goods. The software offers features such as automated booking, real-time tracking, load matching, and digital document management. It aims to simplify the process of finding and scheduling freight shipments by providing visibility into available loads and optimizing route efficiency. Through digital workflow capabilities, Uber Freight helps businesses address challenges in freight logistics, improve operational transparency, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
FedEx Supply Chain Transportation-Related Services software assists organizations in managing the movement of goods across various transportation modes. The software provides functionality for shipment planning, execution, and tracking and aims to improve the visibility and efficiency of supply chain logistics. It enables users to optimize routing, schedule deliveries, and monitor shipment statuses in real time. The software supports integration with warehouse operations to facilitate end-to-end supply chain processes and manage compliance with regulatory standards. It addresses business challenges related to logistics cost control, service reliability, and operational transparency by streamlining transportation management tasks and helping companies respond quickly to disruptions in supply networks.
Geodis International Logistics Services is a service designed to support the movement, storage, and management of goods across global supply chains. The service offers solutions such as freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, transportation management, and supply chain optimization. It enables organizations to manage logistics processes including inventory control, customs clearance, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery. Geodis International Logistics Services addresses challenges related to efficient goods movement, cost control, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery, aiming to improve operational efficiency for businesses managing domestic and international logistics operations.
Geodis Warehouse Services is a software designed to support end-to-end warehouse management operations for businesses across various industries. The software provides functionalities such as inventory tracking, order fulfillment, inbound and outbound logistics management, and space utilization optimization. It facilitates real-time monitoring of stock levels, streamlines picking and packing processes, and integrates with transportation management systems to improve shipment accuracy and delivery timelines. By automating routine tasks and providing actionable analytics, the software addresses the business challenge of maintaining efficient supply chain workflows and enables companies to manage warehouse resources effectively and meet their distribution requirements.
Ceva International Logistics Services is a service that offers integrated supply chain solutions, including freight management, contract logistics, transportation management, and warehousing. The service provides end-to-end logistics support for various industries, enabling organizations to manage the movement and storage of goods across multiple geographies. Ceva International Logistics Services utilizes technology to coordinate shipments, track inventories, and optimize supply chain operations. The service addresses business needs related to the efficient transportation of goods, inventory management, and distribution by offering tailored solutions that align with the specific requirements of clients’ supply chains.
Expeditors Warehouse Services is a software designed to support inventory management and distribution processes for businesses requiring storage and handling solutions. The software offers functionalities such as order fulfillment, inventory tracking, product consolidation, and value-added services like labeling and packaging. It enables organizations to manage stock levels efficiently, reduce errors in inventory control, and streamline movement of goods within the warehouse environment. The software is developed to address challenges faced by businesses in optimizing supply chain operations, improving visibility across warehousing activities, and ensuring timely dispatch of products while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements.
Kuehne + Nagel Warehouse Services is a service focused on providing storage, handling, and management solutions for goods. The service offers inventory control, order fulfillment, and distribution capabilities designed to optimize logistics operations. It enables businesses to efficiently manage stock levels, streamline supply chain workflows, and address challenges associated with warehousing and distribution. The service supports various industries by delivering configurable storage options, technology-enabled tracking, and secure handling processes, aiming to reduce complexity in inventory management and improve overall operational efficiency.
UPS Supply Chain International Logistics Services is a service that facilitates global supply chain management through comprehensive logistics solutions. The service includes transportation management, warehouse operations, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and distribution services. It is designed to help businesses optimize their supply chain processes by providing support for cross-border shipments, regulatory compliance, inventory control, and visibility across the logistics network. By integrating various logistics functions, the service addresses business challenges related to complex international shipping, delivery speed, and operational efficiency, enabling organizations to manage the flow of goods across multiple regions.
XPO Logistics Warehouse Services is a software that supports supply chain operations by providing warehouse management capabilities such as inventory control, order fulfillment, optimization of storage space, barcode scanning, and real-time tracking of goods. The software is designed to facilitate efficient management of inventory and streamline the movement of products within warehousing environments. It enables businesses to address challenges related to the organization of goods, reduce errors in inventory handling, and improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of warehousing operations. The solution also provides reporting features to support decision-making and to assist in monitoring warehouse performance.