The third party logistics (Thirdpartylogistics) concept originated in the management of the (out-souring) means to dynamically configure their own companies and other business functions and services, the use of external resources for enterprise production and management services. The introduction of (Out-souring) to the field of logistics management has produced the concept of third party logistics. The third party logistics refers to the production and operation of enterprises as the main focus on the original deal with the logistics of their own activities, to entrust to the professional logistics service enterprises, through information systems and logistics enterprises to maintain close contact, a logistics operation and management to achieve the whole logistics management and control.
Therefore, the third party logistics is also called contract logistics (Contractlogistics). An enterprise providing third party logistics services. Its predecessor is generally engaged in logistics activities and related industries, such as transportation and warehousing. In the third party logistics enterprises in promoting the entrusting party logistics demand, from simple storage, transportation and other individual activities to provide comprehensive logistics services, including logistics activities of the organization, coordination and management, design recommendations for optimal logistics solutions, logistics throughout the information gathering and management. At present, the concept of the third party logistics has been widely accepted by the Western circulation industry.