Marketing perspectives of logistics service providers Present and future research directions

Purpose - This paper aims to introduce the special issue on the marketing perspectives of logistics service providers and the relevant papers. The paper also aims to introduce the concept of outsourcing in general and logistics outsourcing in particular that is directly relevant to the genesis of third-party logistics firms. Design/methodology/approach - This is a conceptual paper largely based on analysis and discussion of the relevant literature. Findings - The paper suggests possible avenues for future research in terms of this special issue and illustrates the contribution of the selected papers to the current literature. Research limitations/implications - This is a conceptual paper that offers a plethora of suggestions for future research. Subsequently, the empirical testing of these suggestions is urgently required. Originality/value - The value of this paper lies in examining a topic that has attracted limited attention by marketing scholars so far. The selected papers illustrate the possibilities for further original research in that area.