3PL Service Providers Typology Based on the Use of ICT

The demand for more sophisticated logistics services has brought about a diversification of services, specialization and mainly a more intensive use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) by the 3PL providers. To characterize logistics services offered in Brazil, a third-party logistics provider typology is suggested based on statistics and data mining analysis. Considering the presence of technological solutions through Yes/No categorical statements, the results identified 3PL homogeneous clusters in the Brazilian market which correspond to main sector categories that are described in this paper. These results are equivalent to those models that make use of quantitative variables, usually associated with unreliability and difficult acquisition.