Third-party logistics is an operational strategy and academic concept centered on the outsourcing of logistics functions to external service providers. It involves delegating activities such as warehousing, transportation, and inventory management to specialized entities. As a research domain, it investigates the drivers, processes, performance outcomes, and strategic implications of these externalized relationships within supply chain networks. Key characteristics include the contractual nature of the partnership, the diverse scope of services provided, and the objective of leveraging external expertise for enhanced efficiency and organizational focus. Its significance lies in its role as a critical enabler of supply chain optimization, allowing firms to concentrate on core competencies while accessing specialized logistics capabilities.