4PL

Business & Finance abbreviation · Logistics, Supply Chain & Trade

4PL
Stands forFourth-party logistics
CategoriesBusiness & Finance

4PL stands for Fourth-party logistics, a logistics, supply chain & trade abbreviation.

Logistics model in which a single integrator manages a company's entire supply chain, including selecting and coordinating multiple 3PLs, carriers and technology, usually without operating warehouses or vehicles itself.

Example: The 4PL runs our control tower and manages six regional 3PLs.

Usage notes

The term was introduced by Andersen Consulting, now Accenture, in 1996. Some 4PLs are spun out of 3PLs, which critics say creates conflicts of interest.

More logistics, supply chain & trade abbreviations

  • 3PL – Third-party logistics
  • AEO – Authorized Economic Operator
  • AES – Automated Export System
  • AGV – Automated guided vehicle
  • AMR – Autonomous mobile robot
  • AMS – Automated Manifest System
  • AS/RS – Automated storage and retrieval system
  • ASN – Advance shipping notice
  • ATA Carnet – ATA Carnet
  • AWB – Air waybill
  • BAF – Bunker adjustment factor
  • BCO – Beneficial cargo owner

See all 106 logistics, supply chain & trade abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.