# Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Third-Party Logistics (3PL) is the outsourcing of logistics operations – transportation, warehousing, order picking, last-mile delivery, and often customs clearance – to a specialized external provider.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) is the outsourcing of logistics operations – transportation, warehousing, order picking, last-mile delivery, and often customs clearance – to a specialized external provider. The 3PL acts as an operational intermediary between a shipper's production or sourcing side and the end customer, managing all or part of the supply chain on the shipper's behalf. Companies benefit from established carrier networks, warehouse infrastructure, and compliance expertise without capital investment in building these in-house. In cross-border trade, 3PLs frequently handle import declarations, origin documentation, and regulatory filings. The key distinction from 4PL lies in scope: a Fourth-Party Logistics provider additionally orchestrates multiple 3PL partners and owns the broader supply chain strategy.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_logistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_logistics)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Third-Party Logistics (3PL) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 111 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_logistics |

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