But Forrester Research Inc. expects a new breed of outsourcer, the virtual logistics outsourcer, to emerge during 1999. Third-party logistics providers such as Schneider National Inc., Penske Corp. and Skyway Freight Systems Inc., overnight delivery services such as Federal Express Corp., United Parcel Service of America Inc. and DHL International Ltd., and consortiums such as the Star Alliance already meet a portion of virtual logistics outsourcing needs in some parts of the world. Indeed, these companies are the front-runners in the race to offer complete global virtual logistics outsourcing. A company moving toward a virtual business model needs providers to operate global business functions for them. It's no longer just about scheduling trucks and packing warehouses.
Customers can place orders at either the virtual business Web site or by calling a toll-free number.
Outsourcers build products to order from components stored in their warehouses, or those of another outsourcer, to meet customers' specific needs. Global supply chain infrastructure. Partner businesses will tie into the outsourcers to support the virtual business through Internet connections. A logistics outsourcer will pass the order to its inventory-management and transportation systems for global delivery from the nearest outsourcer warehouse. All transportation and inventory will be managed for the virtual business by other outsourcers.