On reliability in selection of outsourcing company in market of transport and logistics services

Abstract

The article considers the reliability criteria when choosing a supplier of transport and logistics services. There has been conducted analysis of modern scientific literature by Russian and foreign authors, studied the statistical reports of transport and logistics companies. Two main problems in the activities of transport and logistics service providers are highlighted: the impact of transport and logistics outsourcing on vulnerability of the supply chain and the achievement of acceptable financial performance. It has been inferred that choosing the transport and logistics services supplier is a complex multi-criteria task including the use of both quantitative and qualitative criteria for decision-making. At the same time, when using different methods, the conclusions may contradict each other. Choosing the right third party logistics (3PL) provider logistics managers may not be sure that their choice will meet the needs of the company. Therefore, the decision to use a third-party logistics service provider depends on many factors that may vary from company to company, with the final choice depending on future goals, product lines, company plans, expansion, etc. Factors indicating success in choosing an outsourcing company include: cost reduction, maximum on-time delivery, minimum order lead time, increase in the number of alternative solutions, increase the efficiency of logistics activities, reduce logistics management costs, improve customer relationships and create mutually beneficial relationships in the supply chain. The criteria for selecting third-party transport and logistics companies are given (in descending order): price, reliability, location, timeliness of the order, cost reduction, management flexibility and innovation, quality of management, quality of service, personalized service, reputation of the supplier, technical competence, good communication, variety of services available.