1、1A Guide for Creating&Executing a 4PL NetworkBUILDING YOUR FULFILLMENT NETWORK FOR OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY2TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction .1Step 1:Identify Network Locations .2Step 2:Find,Select,and Connect with Partners .3Step 3:Add Network Customers .4Step 4:Configure Your Technology .5Step 5:Final Prep

2、 .6Step 6:Go Live .7INTRODUCTIONGrowth for third-party logistics(3PL)warehouses can be challenging.With an increasingly demanding ecommerce customer base and high overhead costs,many 3PLs operate on razor-thin margins.As a company built by 3PLs for 3PLs,weve been there,and weve had many conversation

3、s with our customers over the years helping them to succeed in a highly competitive industry.3PLs are realizing that fourth-party logistics(4PL)networks are key to handling the demands of ecommerce at scale.However,many are unsure where to start such a complex process with multiple considerations.Ne

4、tworks can be as simple as a single partnership between two warehouses or as complex as a pre-defined,multi-node consortium of several independent 3PLs working together.Additionally,most networks are considered“private”with one owner and one or more“servicing”3PL partners.When you establish your net

5、work,you will be the“owner”of your customers and of the network.You can invite and connect with other 3PLs to build out an optimized geographic footprint to accomplish your strategic goals and meet the needs of your customers.Weve created this playbook as a guide listing all the important steps to c

6、reating and executing a well-defined,reliable 4PL network.Weve also developed tools to make it easier and faster for you to stand up your own 4PL network,like Fulfillment Marketplace and Extensiv Network Manager.With the right tools,you can:Expand your operating capacity and geographic reach with tr