The increasing use of IT in logistics operations is one of the factors behind the growing demand for third-party logistics services (3PL), In this context, new organizational schemes have appeared, such as the network structure, leading to greater flexibility and adaptability to external demand variations. In particular, many 3PL providers are sharing technology and services with clients in an ASP environment. The paper investigates the evolution and trends of 3PLs, in Brazil and abroad. Except large international organizations, the Brazilian 3PL providers lack financial resources to buy advanced applied software and IT. As a consequence, ASP have a good marketing opportunity in this context. We further discuss the emergence of combined ASPs and fourth-party logistics (4PL) suppliers.
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