In global supply chains, third-party logistics (3PL) services have proven to be critically important in helping many supply chain agents with distribution tasks so that they can focus on their core competencies of product development and manufacturing. However, there are many inadequacies in current global supply chains that affect the functions of 3PL. These shortcomings have necessitated digital transformation in many businesses. This digitalization enhances information sharing and supply chain visibility, which improves supply chain performance; however, it may create challenges regarding cybersecurity and data quality. Blockchain technology (BCT), with features such as being highly secure and distributed, can help. In this paper, we examine the literature and identify challenges associated with 3PL and how BCT can be used for 3PL. Then, we conduct interviews with four innovation/project managers of well-established logistics companies to uncover the status of BCT adoption in 3PL and the challenges that are hampering the adoption of this technology. Finally, we propose a framework together with a decision roadmap for BCT implementation.

在全球供应链中，第三方物流 (3PL) 服务已被证明在帮助许多供应链代理商完成分销任务方面至关重要，这样他们就可以专注于产品开发和制造的核心竞争力。然而，当前全球供应链存在诸多不足，影响了3PL的功能。这些缺点促使许多企业进行数字化转型。这种数字化增强了信息共享和供应链可见性，从而提高了供应链绩效；但是，它可能会带来网络安全和数据质量方面的挑战。具有高度安全和分布式等特性的区块链技术 (BCT) 可以提供帮助。在本文中，我们检查了文献并确定了与 3PL 相关的挑战以及 BCT 如何用于 3PL。然后，我们采访了知名物流公司的四位创新/项目经理，以揭示 BCT 在 3PL 中的采用情况以及阻碍采用该技术的挑战。最后，我们提出了一个框架以及 BCT 实施的决策路线图。