What is 4PL?
Managed by experienced experts, 4PL supply chain solutions integrate all stakeholders and suppliers to work together efficiently.
A SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MODEL THAT IS COST-EFFECTIVE, INTELLIGENT AND AGILE
4PL supply chain solutions integrate and adapt to your company’s growth and seasonal volume for a more efficient strategy. As a 4PL service provider, Cedric Millar manages all logistics for you, simplifying the process significantly.
Simply put, supply chain management is much easier with 4PL, while you enjoy significant cost savings that comes with a streamlined solution that creates real value for your company.
What does "PL" stand for?
PL is the acronym for Party Logistics. It refers to a different party that’s involved within the supply chain system. The number before the PL (as in 4PL) represents the number of parties involved within that process.
1PL
Manufacturers using the 1PL system handle their own shipping to vendors, warehouses, or ports, or individual vendors picking goods up directly from the manufacturer.
Disadvantages
- Involves a large in-house team shipping logistics professionals
- Requires a fleet of vehicles and operators
- Have to manage several external relationships and processes at once
- Difficult to compete in the global marketplace
2PL
Shipping logistics are still managed in-house, but the manufacturers are using transportation services to move their goods. This could be a rail operator, trucking company, or ocean shipping company.
Disadvantages
- Involves a large in-house team of shipping logistics professionals
- Little sense of true costs
- No access to economies of scale
- Difficult to think strategically
3PL
3PL added a third party to the traditional “shipper and carrier” setup in the form of outsourced companies that offered transport, cross docking, inventory management, packaging, and other supply chain services.
Disadvantages
- Completely reliant on sole supplier
- Locked into supplier’s own services
- No direct access to data
- More tactical company than strategic partner
4PL
You outsource to one company, and we manage the services and performance of multiple companies.
Advantages
- Streamlined supply chain solutions
- Enhanced visibility and control
- Improved agility and flexibility
- Cost savings and optimization
Flexible and Cost-Effective
4PL adds much needed strategy into the supply chain system. With a 4PL service provider, you have access to the best service providers on the market. You’re never locked in with one company, and can make adjustments as your needs change. 4PL also brings you significant cost savings as it is tech-based, not asset-based.