The successful management of a small logistics company

In this paper, a case study conducted on a small third‐party logistics (3PL) company in Hong Kong is presented. This company is interesting in that it has been designated as the “king” of Hong Kong's 3PL (in‐bound) logistics companies. The company has been successful in its overall business performance and in satisfying customers. This company's strategic alliances with both clients and customers have helped to improve the utilization of its resources, such as warehouse space and transportation fleets. Also, the company is in the process of expanding its operations across greater China, with the objective of becoming a full‐pledged 3PL company. The analysis of this case focuses on the critical success factors (strategies and technologies) that have allowed a small company started only in 1996 to become so successful in its operations. Also, a framework has been provided for the company to develop its logistics operations as a full‐pledged 3PL company.