The arguments in favour of businesses using a 3PL are well documented
(see Chapter 17, for example). This sector in the past has seen most of the
growth of activity in goods moved. Although the data are not strictly comparable,
in total terms, the own account sector would appear to be holding its
own. This should not in any way undermine the importance of 3PLs (and in
some cases advice from a fourth-party logistics provider, or 4PL) in offering a
full range of supply chain management services to clients. As well as offering
the usual transport and warehouse management services, 3PLs can provide
for the assembly and management of inventory and the integration of
business IT systems.