Does Your Ecommerce Business Need a 3PL or a 4PL?

Congratulations are in order if you're considering outsourcing your logistics services and inventory management. You're ready to accelerate the growth of your e-commerce business by partnering up with a team of industry experts. Now, there's just one step left: figuring out whether you need third-party logistics (3PL) or fourth-party logistics (4PL).

Third-party logistics and fourth-party logistics providers may share similar terrain, but they serve significantly different features and benefits. Like choosing between a perfectly aged cabernet sauvignon or a frosty pilsner, the choice between 3PL and 4PL hinges on your company's specific needs:

• Third-party logistics providers are hands-on partners that take over various logistics operations, like warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment. Imagine them as a concierge at a fancy hotel, handling various tasks to make your stay comfortable.
• On the other hand, fourth-party logistics providers serve as a single interface between you and multiple logistics service providers. Picture them as the seasoned orchestra conductor, flawlessly blending all the components of logistics into a well-synchronized symphony.

Understanding the key differences between 3PL and 4PL is, therefore, crucial as it significantly affects your business's efficiencies, costs, and customer satisfaction levels. With the right fit, you can prioritize growth and innovation, leaving the logistics legwork to your chosen partner.

Wait, What Are the Other Options?

First-party logistics is when a company stores its own inventory and also handles the shipping and delivery of it. Most companies with first-party logistics are small businesses producing and distributing their goods in local communities.

Second-party logistics (2PL) providers store inventory and transport goods for businesses that can't handle these tasks internally or want to outsource them to focus internal resources on growth.

And, yes, there are fifth-party logistics provider firms, too. This area is still developing and caters mostly to large ecommerce businesses because they're essentially a 3PL and a 4PL bundled together. They handle a customer's supply chain from top to bottom, including the high-level strategic management of multiple supply chains to optimize fulfillment.

‍

Understanding 3PL and 4PL

Third-party logistics involves using external organizations for the execution of your company's logistical functions—think of this as hiring a capable and enthusiastic teenager to clean your car; only here, the teenager is a professional company, and the car is your supply chain. A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can handle:

• Storage
• Packaging
• Kitting
• Transportation

‍

What about 4PLs? 

Imagine passing off all the responsibility of managing your company's logistics, including coordinating with 3PLs, to an external provider. That’s exactly what fourth-party logistics (4PL) providers do. Remember: 3PLs execute, while 4PLs coordinate and oversee. 3PLs are your reliable musicians, while fourth-party logistics companies are your conductors controlling the pace of the performance.

As an e-commerce business owner, both of these services play an essential role in enhancing and fine-tuning your supply chain, but depending on the specifics of your operations, you may find one more beneficial than the other.

‍

3PL vs 4PL: Key Differences

We'll keep saying it: a third-party logistics provider and a fourth-party logistics provider can both offer your business valuable support. But you'll find that one is more helpful than the other, depending on your business needs. So, where are their biggest differences?

Operational Control 

A third-party logistics provider is like the reliable skipper of your ship, taking control of the day-to-day logistics operations. They tend to focus on single-function tasks related to transportation, warehousing, and distribution. If you're the captain steering the ship and making major decisions, a 3PL is all hands on deck to ensure the smooth sailing of your operations.

On the other hand, a fourth-party logistics provider positions itself as the ship's GPS, integrating and managing every aspect of your supply chain, including warehousing, transportation, procurement, and even other 3PLs with which you're working.

An easier way to think about their differences is this: partnering with a 3PL saves you execution time on your logistics processes and money on your storage needs since they house your inventory. Partnering with a 4PL, on the other hand, saves you time on handling multiple partners and the strategic management of your supply chain activities.

Scope and Scale 

A third-party logistics provider is a great fit for businesses with relatively simple and stable logistics demands. They can also help you break into new markets since many lead logistics providers have been shipping internationally for years. However, if your e-commerce operations are spread across different geographies and are marked by complex logistics needs, then a 4PL can bring in the required level of cross-functional coordination and integration. 

Strategic Influence 

While 3PLs focus on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, they usually have limited influence on shaping strategic logistics decisions. However, 4PLs sit at the center of your logistics network and exert significant influence over strategic decision-making and supply chain improvements. Essentially, if your entire supply chain is working, a 3PL is there to run it efficiently so that you don't have to worry about inventory management or fulfillment services. If, on the other hand, you could use supply chain management and optimization, a 4PL could be a better fit.

Flexibility 

3PLs usually offer a relatively limited range of services tailor-made for specific client requirements. Companies can mix and match these services based on their individual needs and growth trajectory. This makes 3PLs a more flexible option. 

Your 4PL, however, offers an integrated one-stop shop for all your logistics needs that's a great fit for businesses with multiple supply chains. Making changes can be more complex due to their holistic approach. But on the flip side, having comprehensive logistics services can simplify life when your business and logistics are moving at warp speed and your supply chain network is too complex to manage independently. 

Pros and Cons of 3PL

Having a robust logistics network is essential for any e-commerce business worth its salt. Making the right choice when you're deciding on the question of a 3PL vs 4PL can feel like trying to pick a doughnut in a patisserie: tons of options, plenty at stake, but only one can truly hit the sweet spot. Let's tackle the 3PL option first: 

The Pros of 3PL 

• Cost-effective: In the long run, outsourcing to a 3PL can save significant costs. No need to recruit your own logistics team or invest in warehousing and transport. 3PLs also have established relationships with carriers, which may mean savings on your shipping costs.
• Flexibility and scalability: Your business volume changes throughout the year? No worries, 3PLs can easily adjust their services, including storage and order fulfillment, to your needs.
• Expertise on a silver platter: 3PLs live and breathe logistics and can bring that expertise to the table, simplifying your day-to-day operations. They've also figured out core offerings like reverse logistics to meet customer demand for easy returns.
• Tech savviness: Reap the benefits of their cutting-edge software, without actually having to buy or update it. You'll get real-time order and inventory tracking without the IT pains.

The Cons of 3PL 

• Loss of control: It's the other side of the coin of outsourcing; you're placing a key process of your enterprise in someone else's hands. This isn't a problem if you've carefully selected your partner. Check out our guide to how to choose a 3PL if picking a service provider feels overwhelming.
• Communication gaps: Not all 3PLs are great communicators. (Although the same can be said for any business type.) Be sure to vet any potential fulfillment providers you're considering for their ability to communicate clearly and consistently with you.
• One size may not fit all: Some 3PLs deal with a high volume of clients, often overlooking individual needs that your ecommerce brand may require. This is why you'll see us talk in other articles about the pros and cons of large vs small 3PLs. Small 3PLs like All Points are better equipped to give their clients a dedicated account manager who gets to know your business inside and out.

The general breakdown of 3PLs should help guide you toward your decision. It's OK if selecting the right one takes time. You're not just picking a company for packing and shipping orders; you're selecting a business partner.

‍

Pros and Cons of 4PL

In the complex labyrinth that is logistics, business owners—especially those in ecommerce—often find themselves standing at a fork in the road. To take the 3PL route, or to venture into the unknown and opt for 4PL? Whichever one you choose will have profound implications for your business. So, let's tug at the threads of the 4PL tapestry a bit and find out whether it's your speed. 

The Upsides of 4PL 

• Single point contact: With a 4PL provider, you get a single team to oversee your entire supply chain.
• Strategic insight: A 4PL can provide strategic recommendations to optimize your logistics functions and overall supply chain performance. Supply chain management is where these companies really shine, identifying opportunities to optimize your supply chain operations.
• Customized service: If your business were a pizza, a 4PL provider would be that 'make-your-own-pizza' deal. They offer tailored solutions to fit your unique set of needs and tastes.
• Advanced technology: 4PL providers typically employ the latest tech.

The Downsides of 4PL 

• Less control: With 4PL, you're trusting one team to manage everything about your company's logistics operations.
• Longer contract terms: 4PL providers often want a more serious commitment. It's like jumping straight from a first date to moving in together.
• Higher costs: Retrofitting your business with 4PL might be a bit of a pocket pinch. The advanced services come with upscale price tags.

Choosing between 3PL or 4PL is like deciding whether to hire a personal trainer or a complete wellness team. The former instructs you on workouts, while the latter manages your entire health regimen, including diet, sleep, and mental health. Both have their perks and caveats. But the choice ultimately does come down to your business needs, so you need to know how to evaluate them.

‍

Evaluating Your Business Needs

When you visit a restaurant with a particularly good menu, selecting just one dish can feel overwhelming. The best approach is figuring out the you side of the equation—your hunger level, whether you want hot or cold, spicy or mild, savory or sweet—and reapproaching the menu from that lens. Choosing the right fit for your supply chain and brand is the same.

Now that you know what logistics services each of these types of businesses can offer your company, it's just a matter of figuring out your needs.

Determine Your Level of Control 

If your business strategy implies a "hands-on" approach, you might lean more towards a 3PL. 3PLs offer various logistics services, but the ultimate responsibility and control remain in your court. It's like being the quarterback of your own team, directing the plays while remaining actively involved in the game. However, if your strategy involves a "hands-off" approach, a 4PL may be more your speed. 4PLs operate as a single point of contact between all aspects of the supply chain, handling everything from planning to execution. It's like having a trusted coach who calls the shots while you cheer from the sidelines. 

Analyze Your Supply Chain Complexity 

Your supply chain's complexity can also determine if you need a 3PL or a 4PL. Are you juggling multiple vendors, handling complex international shipping, and dealing with intricate import/export laws? Does it go off without a hitch, or do you feel it could be done more efficiently? If your supply chain needs optimization, a 4PL may be a great fit for your business.

Remember, a more complex supply chain does not always require a 4PL. Sometimes, a 3PL with specific experience or skill can be a perfect fit. 3PLs also have plenty of experience shipping internationally, so a global ecommerce business—or one that hopes to grow to have a global footprint—doesn't always need a 4PL.

Assess Your Financial Capability 

Lastly, let's talk money. Generally, 4PLs come with a higher price tag due to the comprehensive supply chain management they provide. 3PLs, on the other hand, can offer more affordable, 'pick and mix' logistics services tailored to your budget and needs. 

‍

Evaluating these aspects critically will guide you toward the right player for your business—be it a 3PL or a 4PL. We know you want to move quickly, but picking a logistics company is a good place to invest some time to know you're coming out with a true partner.

‍

3PL vs 4PL: Choosing the Right Fit

Once you've assessed your business needs, it's easier to match a logistics provider to your ecommerce brand. For ease of reference, here's a simpler list of what you need to understand in order to choose a company that offers the right supply chain solutions and warehouse operations for you:

• Elaborateness of your operations: The complexity and scale of your operations can significantly impact your choice.
• Control needed: Have a firm grip on how much control you want over your supply chain.
• Customer communications: Do you want more communication, like working consistently with the same customer service team member, or are you OK with being hands-off?
• Growth stage: Understand your business growth stage and future aspirations.
• Global reach: Whether your company operates globally, or has ambitions to, will also factor into your decision.

The Big Differences: 3PL vs. 4PL 

Sometimes you need to zoom out to figure out how your needs match with the core competencies of a potential logistics partner. From warehouse management and supply chain management to logistical operations and order fulfillment, here's how 3PLs and 4PLs stack up when considered through the lens of your needs and projected brand growth.