4PL network partnerships: the pre-selection phase

Abstract

The study aims at examining the current practices of Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) providers regarding network formation. This research effort comprises three case studies, through in-depth interviews of 4PLs operating in the Greek market. This study has identified the absence of a standardised process for partner pre-selection, based on objective criteria, and thus proposes the level of total quality management adoption as a method for segmenting the market, according to the structured criteria of the European Foundation Quality Model. Additionally, it is the first attempt to study the 4PL providers that operate in the Greek market, thus providing operating mechanisms to the interested entities.