如何选择一个有效的第三方物流供应商【外文翻译】.doc

　　外文翻译 　　原文 　　How to Choose an Effective Third Party Logistics ProviderMaterial Source:Management Research News Author: 　　Seyed 　　Abstract 　　The purpose of this article was to identify the steps that need to be taken whenchoosing an effective third party logistics provider. Based on the research completed,it was determined that third party logistics are beneficial to many companies. Theuse of third party logistics provides a competitive advantage in today’s businessworld. The optimal solution for a company choosing a third party logistic providerwould be a five-step process. 　　Introduction 　　The intention of the research is to identify the most effective ways of choosinga third party logistics （TPL） provider. Logistics management consists of three corefunctions: transportation management, inventory management, and value addedservices. Third party logistics is defined as when a third party is brought in to helpmanage these functions. A TPL provider is an independent economic entity thatcreates value for its client. A trucking company, a warehouse operator, and acontract manufacturer can all be considered third parties. The TPL industry isconstantly changing, although its existence is nothing new. The range of valuepropositions they offer today has changed dramatically in recent years. Globalindustry consolidation, technology integration, industry specialisation, and industryalliance networks have driven this change. 　　TPL integrates expertise in transportation management, inventory management,and value added services. State of the art technology is a part of each of thesefunctions. TPL create reliable distribution channels and thorough controls. TPL arehighly efficient, and tap into highly specialised capabilities and functions thatincrease value for any company. TPL provide warehouse management, consolidateshipments, select carriers, provide logistics information systems and provide fleetmanagement and operations. TPL also negotiate rates, manage product returns, he