One of today's trends to solve this problem is outsourcing logistics or using third-party logistics (3PL) to manage complex distribution requirements. Organizations have developed strategic alliances with 3PL companies all over the world to manage their logistics operations network.

• Improved customer service
• Reduced staffing and vendor costs
• Outside expertise
• Ability to concentrate on core business
• Higher productivity
• Lower administrative costs
• An opportunity to convert fixed costs to variable costs
• Measurable service standards