The Roles of Logistics Service Providers and Supply Chain Integration in Global Supply Chain

Abstract

This chapter explains the overview of logistics service providers (LSPs); LSPs' competitive advantage and logistics performance; LSPs, city logistics, and freight distribution in megacities; LSPs and cloud computing utilization; LSPs, green supply chain, and environmental sustainability; the prospect of supply chain integration (SCI); and the important aspects of SCI in global supply chain. LSPs can share responsibility for managing global supply chain, keeping stores properly stocked, and delivering the perfect order every time. Carriers and logistics intermediary perform more roles than what people think they do, because network connection and the ambition to remain competitive make them to take up value-added services. SCI is a network of businesses and contractors that provide raw materials, transportation, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, and retailing services. Through SCI, operating flexibility and tight inventory management lead to a lower cost structure, which results in higher profit margins.