Determinants of the use of logistic labels by 3PL and 4PL operators : results of studies in Poland

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to present the results of a study on determinants of logistics labels used by 3PL and 4PL operators in Poland. The study focused on examining the reliability of five research hypotheses on the impact of employment level and the role of logistics operators on the type and scope of logistics labels they use.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We used Bayesian ordinal regression to assess the reliability of the research hypotheses. We used data from a survey conducted on a population of 51 logistics operators operating in Poland.

FINDINGS: The test results obtained indicate that the level of employment and the role of the logistics operator in the supply chain do not determine the type of logistics labels used - GS1 or own labels and do not determine the scope of logistics labels used - warehousing process or transport process.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results have practical implications for companies cooperating with 3PL and 4PL logistics operators within supply chains. They indicate the determinants of the type and scope of logistics labels used by them, which ultimately translates into cooperation between partners in the supply chain. The research results may help to choose the logistics operator to operate the supply chain depending on the objectives of its individual links.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the presented research results from the applied research method - Bayesian ordinal regression, rarely used in economic sciences to assess the reliability of research hypotheses concerning the determination of determinants of the studied phenomenon. The defined research hypotheses are an important contribution over the research on communication in supply chains.