Freight glossary / Roles and parties

What is 4PL in freight?

A 4PL manages a shipper's entire logistics operation including the other providers, acting as a single control layer above multiple 3PLs and carriers. It is a management and technology role rather than an execution one. The distinction from a large 3PL is often more contractual than operational.

Also called: fourth party logistics, lead logistics provider.

Related terms

• 3PL
• Freight broker
• Shipper