Title: Drivers for logistics outsourcing and factor analysis for selection of 3PL provider

Authors: R. Rajesh; K. Ganesh; S. Pugazhendhi

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Noorul Islam University, Kumarakoil – 629180, India. ' Global Business Services – Global Delivery, IBM India Private Limited, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051, India. ' Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Chidambaram – 608002, India

Abstract: Outsourcing of logistics activities has become a common practice by many companies, which implies an efficient choice of the third party logistics (3PLs) providers. This research aims to determine the current situation of outsourcing logistics activities in India. Selection of an efficient and potential set of 3PLs providers is a crucial decision. This decision is influenced by several factors or criteria. In this paper, we identify the factors that are important to the choice of a 3PLs service provider and prioritise them by employing factor analysis.

Keywords: 3PL; TPL; third-party logistics; logistics providers; factor analysis; India; logistics outsourcing; efficient choices; provider selection; selection factors; selection criteria; service providers; business excellence.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2013.050575

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2013 Vol.6 No.1, pp.37 - 58

Published online: 30 Sep 2013 *

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