THIRD PARTY LOGISTICS SERVICES - THE DEMAND AND DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRIPARKS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore's increasing importance as a distribution centre has led to the development of a new form of third party logistics services (TPLS) - Distriparks. These new generation warehouses that provide an integrated logistics system is said to emerge as a result of its increasing demand by companies. A study of whether all companies really need this new form of logistics services is conducted. It is however discovered that this phenomenon stands true for light manufacturing industries and the electronics industry and may not be so true and applicable for other industries like metal, construction and petroleum products industries. Therefore, despite the growing number of TPLS in Singapore, it is necessary to look further into the different needs and demand for TPLS by companies of different nature and sizes. It is found that the above phenomenon may not necessary indicate that distriparks are growing in demand by all companies. To maximise the potential of distriparks in Singapore, there are recommendations to tailor-make the features of distriparks to suit every company's different needs.