Identification of innovativeness provided by logistics service providers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to identify the types of innovations implemented by logistics service providers (logistics operators 3PL and integrators 4PL), influencing the creation of logistics services in modern supply chains.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article presents the results of empirical research covering the issues of implementing innovative solutions in logistics services provided by service providers. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the dynamically changing conditions of the economic and political environment, progressing globalization and growing customer requirements have determined logistics service providers to go beyond the implementation of traditional, individual logistics services, e.g., such as transport, warehousing, to expand the range of offered and implemented services, thus implementing innovation in logistics services.

FINDINGS: It was identified that the role of logistics service providers offering a wide range of services for the proper integration and monitoring of logistics processes as part of outsourcing is played by logistics service provider operators ((3PL), logistics operators and integrators (4PL)).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings show a wide variation in the innovation implementation by logistics service providers. The main findings indicate that 3PL and 4PL companies are the leading service providers implementing innovations in the provided logistics services. No less important findings show that by far the largest group of the surveyed companies were suppliers of a few simple logistics services (transport, forwarding, distribution or supply logistics, etc.). Nevertheless, also this group is entering the next stage of improving and developing the offer of services and implementing innovative solutions to compete on the market.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that the results of the study show that in the contemporary dynamically changing global economy, the activity in the field of innovation implemented by logistics service providers is becoming the leading driving force of competing not only individual enterprises but also supply chains and networks.