An LLP is an organization that manages a full scope of logisticsservices for a company by aggregating and coordinating the services of multiple logistics service providers. LLP is the new term that consultants now more frequently use instead of 4PL. At the most basic level, a Lead Logistics Provider is nothing more than a Non-asset Based 3PL, but there is certainly an emerging field of logistics providers that oversee and manage a portfolio of warehousing and transportation providers from a higher level.

The concept of Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) provider was first defined by Andersen Consulting (Now Accenture) as an integrator that assembles the resources, capabilities, and technology of its own organization and other organizations to design, build, and run comprehensive supply chainsolutions. Whereas a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) targets a function, a 4PL targets management of the entire process. Some have described a 4PL as a general contractor who manages other 3PLs, truckers, forwarders, custom house agents, and others, essentially taking responsibility of a complete process for the customer.