Logistics Service Provider: Literature review, perspectives, and opportunities

The supply chain is a complex network involving entities managing the flow of products, services, finances, and information from source to customer. This structure is segmented into three levels: Direct, Extended, and Global, with the logistics service provider (LSP) emerging as a key participant at the Global Level. LSPs, as intermediaries, coordinate supply chain organizations, managing logistics activities and resources. Industrial enterprises often outsource their logistics operations to LSPs, leading to the transfer of equipment and personnel. LSPs are classified into five types: 1PL to 5PL, each specializing in different logistics functions. 1PL handles transportation, 2PL includes warehousing management, and 3PL extends to various logistics activities like transport, storage, and consulting. 4PL acts as consultants to optimize logistics, and 5PL focuses on integrated logistics services within supply chain management. This article aims to review systematic reviews on the role of LSPs, analyzing current trends and future perspectives. A comprehensive search identified 849 articles, narrowed down to 22 relevant ones published between 2010 and 2023. After thorough analysis and elimination of duplicates, 6 articles were selected. Additional research yielded 12 supplementary articles, resulting in a final compilation of 18 articles. This systematic approach ensures a diverse representation of sources for a robust examination of LSPs