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.