Article at a glance:
Logistics providers are emerging as important building blocks in the "network economy," where companies focus on their core competencies and outsource the rest. McKinsey surveyed 110 logistics alliances in Europe and North America and identified six best practices that led to more efficient operations and improved service levels.
The take-away
Logistics alliances can enhance supply chain performance—especially if producers set ambitious targets, cultivate close working relationships with providers, and let shippers take the lead in process design.