71 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN MANAGEMENT (IJARM) ISSN 0976 - 6324 (Print) ISSN 0976 - 6332 (Online) Volume 1, Issue 1, January- December (2010), pp. 71-79 © IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijarm.html THIRD PARTY LOGISTICS (3PL), THE NEXT GENERATION LOGISTICS TREND Mr. S. Anthony Raj Research Scholar, School of Commerce, Bharathiar University, Lecturer in Commerce, Department of Commerce in International Business, CMS College, Chinnavedampatty, Coimbatore –India. Dr. S. Sudalaimuthu Dr. S. Sudalai Muthu, Lecturer, Department of Commerce and Computer Applications, Bharathiar University, Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore – India, sm_vcas@gmail.com ABSTRACT It is a premise of this research that analyses the performances of, problems faced by and the prospects of third party logistics providers (3PL) in India. This research aimed at understanding the different technical problems faced by the 3PLs and the various methods of solving their bottlenecks in accomplishing their best services. The logistics industry in India is embryonic in haste and it is the interplay of infrastructure, technology and new categories of service providers that will define whether the industry is able to help its customers reduce their logistics costs and render effective services. A lively survey was taken at their operational ground to discern the practical allusions and illusions. To aid in this thoughtfulness, Indian Major Ports’ performance, logistic theories, logistic models, relevant and related theories are focused, thereby providing theoretical foundations for new 3PLs and useful methodologies to analyse the existing 3PLs. At the firm level, the logistics focus is moving towards reducing cycle times in order to add value to their customers. Consequently, better ideas and strategies are being required by firms in order to enhance their decision making. In this research work, the researcher aim to identify the biggest bottlenecks of 3PLs in exporters and importers perspective and presents the highlights of research reviews and research gap. Keywords: Third party Logistics Providers (3PL), Infrastructures, Major Ports, Exporters, Documentation. © I A E M E IJARM