Which of the following is a function of a third-party logistics company (3PL)?

A third-party logistics company (3PL) plays a vital role in managing various aspects of supply chain operations for businesses. This includes functions such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution. By outsourcing these logistics functions to a 3PL, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and allow themselves to focus more on their core competencies.

Handling supply chain functions encompasses a wide range of activities that a 3PL can manage on behalf of its clients. This arrangement enables businesses to leverage the 3PL's expertise, technology, and resources to optimize their logistics processes. The ability to adapt and scale logistics operations according to demand fluctuations is also a significant benefit that a 3PL provides.

In contrast, providing direct customer service is generally the responsibility of the business itself, as it requires a deep understanding of the company's products and customer relationships. Manufacturing products lies outside the scope of a 3PL’s primary functions, as they typically do not engage in manufacturing but rather focus on logistics services. While owning logistics infrastructure can occur, not all 3PLs own their logistics facilities; many operate using rented facilities or transportation equipment. Therefore, the central function of managing and optimizing supply chain logistics firmly supports the choice regarding the third-party