Historically, the term was coined during the 70’s and 80’s, wherein companies during those times outsourced for third party logistics services. And as times goes by, those 3PL companies expanded the services they offer and covers more areas or geographies for their target markets and integrated several of their services. Modes of transport were also taken to consideration.
Today, Third Party Logistics is defined as the function by which a client or a company, outsources various elements of the supply chain management to a 3PL firm that can perform the management function of the client’s inbound freight, customs, warehousing, order fulfillment, distribution, and outbound freight to the client’s customers.
An example of this firm that offers those services is the Orient Freight International Inc. They are excellent in 3PL. They offer services such Specialized Logistics solutions, Container Freight Station, Supply Chain Management, Sea Freight Forwarding (NVOCC), Logistics and Customs Brokerage, and Air Freight Forwarding.