Exactly how much coordination is possible from the 3PL
provider’s stand point? From Fig. 4, we can see that within the company, the 3PL provider can coordinate its inbound logistics with warehousing and also with outbound logistics. Inter-company coordination can also be possible. Examples would include,
• Coordination among 3PL companies which form alliances
• Coordination with upstream manufacturer/supplier to synchronize production schedule with inbound transportation schedule
• Coordination with downstream customers/retailers to synchronize inventory level with outbound transportation schedule