THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS
		Outsourcing logistics—especially transportation and warehousing—is becoming more common as merchants focus on their core competencies. These articles provide strategies for choosing the best third-party fulfillment and logistics providers, deciding which activities to outsource, and measuring a 3PL's performance.

Topic Headlines

cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0> cellpadding=0> Continental Divide Caution, not creativity, has characterized most U.S. companies in the past couple of years. But at a time when risk taking is minimal, marketers are... The Lady or the TIGER In the fat and happy 1990s, retailers, e-tailers, and wholesalers were frequently unwilling to contract the services of third-party logistics providers.... ‘Overpaying Is Not Dignified’ IT MAY SEEM IRREVERENT to buy funeral supplies over the Internet, but as the aging U.S. population gives renewed impetus to the funeral business, sending... Third-party Logistics Market Surges 7%, Outpaces Economy For the eighth year in a row, growth in outsourced logistics outstripped U.S. economic growth in 2002, reports a new study from supply chain management... BUYER'S REMORSE Would you buy a conveyor at what seems like a fabulous discount? Of course you would. It's a great deal, and the machine should work just fine, right?... O+F Then and Now: Take the ‘Simple Managerial Approach’ DESPITE HIS ABUNDANT KNOWLEDGE of avant-garde technology and processes, today's warehouse manager isn't all that different from his predecessors. His... Two by Two One company designs and manufactures auto parts. Two more are in the book business. A third and a fourth... Multitasking Multiple personalities are no longer a bad thing, at least in retail. It's now taken for granted that if... Reverse Gear A company may outsource all or a portion of its operations. Typically, a firm that chooses to outsource... Pick of the Bunch What do exotic produce and third-party logistics services have in common? Their buyers are picky. This... Providers of the Lost Art, the Sequel A roll-up company consolidates a number of 3PFs into one Third-party fulfillment...