Comment / 2PL, 3PL, 4PL – what's what and who's who?

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(Editor’s note: a bit of an educational exercise today as clarity is sought on some key concepts, particularly for the uninitiated who have asked Premium to expand on the topics that follow in this column. The Stath explains…)

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In the logistics world, three little acronyms often cause more confusion than they should: 2PL, 3PL, 4PL. (5PL? I do not even want to touch on that in this column.)

Everyone uses them, many pretend to understand them, but when you ask ...

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  • Matthew Gore

    October 07, 2025 at 3:38 pm

    Interesting topic and one which frequently comes up in discussions with logistics clients (buyers and providers) in the legal sector. Who contracts with who and in what capacity? The age old English law conundrum of whether someone is contracting as agent (for and on behalf of another party) or as principal (in their own right and capacity). How services are ‘sold’ and then how are they performed, by who and in what capacity.

    • Alessandro Pasetti

      October 07, 2025 at 8:33 pm

      Interesting angle, thanks Matthew!

  • Theresa Brennan

    October 08, 2025 at 11:19 pm

    I’m already registered and paying monthly 23 Euro for Loadstar Premium.
    Why am I continually asked to SUBSCRIBE TO PREMIUM and unable to access articles.

    Please troubleshoot.

    Thank You,
    Theresa Brennan

    • Alessandro Pasetti

      October 09, 2025 at 9:21 am

      Apologies for the inconvenience, Theresa. Our director of operations, Arabella, will get in touch with you via email asap. Best regards, Ale

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