Fifth-party logistics providers (5PLs) typically manage the entire supply chain for their customers. 5PLs are yet another step away from the end customer in the logistics network. One way to conceptualize this is mathematically; for number N, the definition of (N)PL is a logistics provider that manages a group of (N-1)PLs. In other words, as described above, a 4PL manages a network of 3PLs, so a 5PL contracts with a group of 4PLs that in turn coordinate with their own web of 3PLs. However, the 5PL is still the company negotiating with the brand or retailer, but they use their networks of 4PLs to manage the logistics for that brand.