Abstract
The purpose of this paper is two-fold: firstly, to determine the critical selection criteria for the
creation of an index to evaluate third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) in South Africa and
secondly, to determine whether industry differences exist with regard to the selection criteria.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 103 Top 500 Companies in Africa that use 3PLs and within the
industrial sectors that mostly outsource logistics services in South Africa. Seven groups of 3PL
selection criteria, with a total of 44 3PL selection criteria were surveyed and ranked. Subsequently,
a comparison of selection criteria by industrial sector was made...