Modes of fourth party logistics based on eco-non-profit organization and its relationship with logistics alliances

As one of advanced logistics modes, fourth party logistics can consolidate demands and resources of logistics in whole industry or society on the bases of the data pool and reduce logistics costs. However, there is no any practical organization or operational mode to implement it. Therefore, fourth party logistics is rested at the stage of academic research. In order to promote its application, a conclusion that any 4PL service provider aiming at profit can not solve the interest problems with third party logistics is yielded based on the analysis of fundamental problems of potential fourth party logistics service providers. Therefore, a new mode of fourth party logistics based on eco-non-profit organization is proposed. Putting the interest of 4PL outside the logistics interest group can avoid the competition between 3PL and 4PL and might promote application of 4PL. The features, functions and collaborative relationships of potential fourth party logistics service providers based on eco-non-profit organization such as government departments, association of 3PL service providers or manufacturing guild are submitted in details. At last, the differences and relationships between fourth party logistics based on association of 3PL service providers and logistics alliance are clarified. Some conclusions are yielded.