Best 4PL Companies in Australia

Australian businesses face increasingly complex supply chains as customer expectations rise and global markets expand. To stay competitive, many are turning to Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) companies in Australia for centralised management and improved visibility.

A 4PL brings together carriers, warehouses, and fulfilment partners under one coordinated framework, helping businesses reduce risks and run more efficiently. This article highlights the best 4PL companies in Australia and explains how the right provider can simplify operations, cut costs, and create long-term supply chain resilience.

Find the Right 4PL Partner in Australia

Simplify your supply chain with centralised management and real-time visibility. Compare top providers and manage logistics smarter with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now

Top 4PL Companies in Australia

Businesses are increasingly turning to 4PL companies in Australia to manage their complex supply chains efficiently. With e-commerce growth, international trade demands, and multi-carrier operations, 4PL solutions are becoming essential for businesses seeking strategic oversight and streamlined logistics.

Leading providers offer scalable solutions, integrated technology, and multi-carrier management to simplify operations. Main 4PL providers in Australia include:

1. Couriers & Freight: Flexible platform with real-time tracking and supports both 3PL and 4PL.
2. DB Schenker Australia: Global logistics expertise, advanced technology for complex international supply chains.
3. OOCL Logistics: Ocean freight and integrated supply chain services with process optimisation.
4. Gold Tiger Logistics: Australian-based, strong in FMCG, retail, and manufacturing.
5. EFM Logistics: Local expertise with customised solutions for mid to large businesses.

This summary highlights why 4PL is a growing trend and what makes these providers stand out, helping businesses quickly identify strategic logistics partners.

What is 4PL?

Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) is a strategic supply chain partner that goes beyond traditional logistics outsourcing. Unlike Third Party Logistics (3PL), which handles specific tasks such as warehousing, transport, or fulfilment, a 4PL manages the entire supply chain network.

It integrates multiple 3PL providers, centralises processes, and uses technology to optimise operations end-to-end. Think of a 3PL as a skilled contractor handling one task, while a 4PL is the project manager overseeing the entire site.

3PL vs 4PL

While 3PL focuses on operational execution, 4PL provides strategic oversight and integration.

• 3PL: Outsourced warehousing, transport, and fulfilment
• 4PL: Strategic partner managing multiple 3PLs, integrating technology, and optimising the end-to-end supply chain

A 4PL serves as a single point of contact, providing businesses with full visibility across every step of the supply chain. Companies benefit from advanced analytics, reporting, and process management that support real-time decision-making, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall supply chain agility. Businesses with multiple carriers, complex international shipping, or high-volume fulfilment requirements often find 4PL solutions essential for efficiency and control.

If you’re still considering 3PL over 4PL, read our full guide on third-party logistics in Australia for a detailed breakdown.

5 Best 4PL Companies in Australia

1. Couriers & Freight

Couriers & Freight operates as a logistics platform that functions much like a 4PL, giving businesses access to multiple carriers and services through a single interface. Instead of managing separate freight and courier accounts, companies can compare rates, book shipments, and generate labels in minutes.

For example, an online retailer can consolidate small parcel deliveries with one carrier and pallet freight with another, all managed in one dashboard. 

Real-time tracking and automated notifications reduce admin work and give businesses full oversight across their transport network.

2. DB Schenker Australia

DB Schenker is one of the world’s largest logistics providers. In Australia, its 4PL solutions are designed for businesses operating on a global scale. For instance, a manufacturer imports raw materials while exporting finished products. Schenker integrates warehousing, international freight, and customs compliance into a single managed service.

By acting as the central coordinator, the company ensures smooth cross-border movement, advanced analytics for performance monitoring, and strategic planning that reduces delays and compliance risks.

3. OOCL Logistics

OOCL Logistics focuses on integrating multiple supply chain providers under one coordinated framework, making it a strong 4PL partner for importers and exporters. Its Information Technology (IT) platforms provide real-time visibility across ocean freight, warehousing, and domestic distribution. 

For example, a business importing electronics from Asia can rely on OOCL to manage container shipping, arrange storage in Australia, and coordinate local deliveries to retailers. 

Continuous performance analysis allows OOCL to identify bottlenecks and make adjustments, keeping supply chains efficient and responsive.

4. Gold Tiger Logistics

Gold Tiger Logistics is an Australian-based provider offering both 3PL and 4PL services, with particular strength in FMCG, retail, and manufacturing. 

Its model goes beyond execution by centralising management of multiple service providers, ensuring businesses have a single point of control. 

For example, a supermarket chain might use Gold Tiger to manage warehousing in Melbourne, interstate transport, and last-mile store deliveries. By consolidating transport and storage under one strategy, Gold Tiger reduces costs while ensuring reliable service levels across its national network.

5. EFM Logistics

EFM Logistics is Australia’s largest independent 4PL provider, specialising in tailored supply chain management for mid-to-large businesses. Its cloud-based platform, OneFlo, acts as the central hub for booking, cost comparison, and performance reporting.

For example, a national retailer with multiple stores could use EFM to benchmark carrier rates, monitor on-time delivery performance, and adjust providers without disrupting operations. EFM’s asset-light model, meaning it partners with carriers rather than owning fleets, gives it the flexibility to design customised, data-driven solutions that scale with business needs.

How to Choose the Right 4PL Partner

The right 4PL partner should fit your industry, scale, and growth plans. The best partner should reduce admin, improve delivery performance, and give you visibility across the supply chain.

Main considerations include:

• Industry expertise: A healthcare company may need a provider with strict compliance processes, while a retailer might prioritise late cut-off times for e-commerce orders.
• Technology capabilities: Look for platforms that integrate with your systems and provide real-time tracking dashboards.
• Network Coverage: A manufacturer with interstate distribution requires strong domestic transport, while exporters need international reach. 
• Pricing model: Transparent, scalable pricing ensures you can expand without hidden costs.
• Proven results: Check case studies or testimonials to confirm reliability and service quality.

Simplify Your Supply Chain with 4PL Solutions

For businesses managing complex or multi-carrier supply chains, 4PL companies in Australia provide a centralised platform and greater visibility. The right partner can reduce costs, improve delivery performance, and free up teams from day-to-day logistics tasks.

Couriers & Freight provides a flexible platform to compare providers, track shipments, and manage logistics in one place. It’s a practical way for businesses to gain control of their supply chain and scale with confidence.

Find the Right 4PL Partner in Australia

Simplify your supply chain with centralised management and real-time visibility. Compare top providers and manage logistics smarter with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now