The influence of customer-specific adaptations on the performance of third-party-logistics relationships—document studies and propositions

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to acquire a better understanding of the performance of third-party logistics. Based on previous research, the demanded specificity, the intended performance evaluation, the expected adaptations by the provider and the willingness of the customer to adapt to the provider were identified as potential influences of third-party logistics relationship performance. Additionally, 22 requests for quote were analysed. This document analysis demonstrates that the degree of partner-specific adaptations is influenced by the complexity of the service and the amount of existing assets of the customer. Furthermore, these analysis shows that most of the customers demand a specific location, expect specific investments by the provider and place-specific demands on performance measurement and reporting. Propositions were established to describe the relationships between these constructs and the potential influences on third-party logistics relationship performance. As a starting point for further research, a structural model was constructed.

Keywords:

• Third-party-logistics
• Outsourcing
• Provider–customer relationships
• Specific adaptations