Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nature and characteristics of crowd logistics business models. Using this evaluation, a new concept for a sustainable implementation of crowd logistics services is proposed. Design/methodology/approach The Design Science process was followed to develop the proposed crowd logistics business model concept. The data are derived from expert interviews and a document-based data analysis of 13 companies. Findings Four relevant steps that companies should follow to implement sustainable crowd logistics services are identified. Open research questions are also identified and guide five research tasks, which may lead to a greater understanding of this emerging field. Research limitations/implications The present research is based on data from companies operating in Germany. The holistic approach gives a broad overview but lacks detailed descriptions. Practical implications Managers can use the four steps and the crowd logistics business model concept to plan future activities (e.g. new service provision). These steps increase the understanding, awareness and knowledge of opportunities and risks of specific crowd logistics services. Social implications This paper provides initial insights into social changes in terms of drivers for the use of crowd logistics services. However, further research is needed to capture the social implications in detail. Originality/value Crowd logistics is an emerging concept, and this paper is one of the first dealing with this topic generally and the first providing an analysis of crowd logistics business models. The developed concept includes implications for practice in the forms of common, and best practices, and science in the form of open research questions and tasks. Overall, the present research provides new insights into this emerging topic.

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Purpose – Sectors with high transport volumes face the challenge of reengineering existing processes. Furthermore, new models that support transportation processing are required. One possible model would be a fourth party logistics service provider (4PL) approach in order to increase the efficient use of resources. The purpose of this paper is to describe a method for reengineering a transportation handling process using the 4PL approach. Design/methodology/approach – Based upon a case study approach existing processes for transportation handling are modelled. Specifications of and definitions for the 4PL approach are compiled and analysed through a literature review. With the help of expert interviews essential functions are identified and the target model is validated. Findings – The results of the effort demonstrate that the application of a 4PL approach facilitates an improved transportation process. This may be due to the modification of the IT and communication technology (ICT) that have been applied. Based upon expanded planning horizons an improved planning of orders, a strengthening of the competencies of the involved actors were observed. Practical implications – Transportation handling in the agricultural sector is of increasing importance in light of the need to feed a growing global population under the condition of limited productive land for agriculture. This paper describes the alterations in the ICT infrastructure as well as the resulting organisational and technical implications, if a 4PL is used. Originality/value – The 4PL approach is an issue that is increasingly discussed in scientific publications. Furthermore, this approach has experienced new opportunities for implementation due to recent developments in ICT.

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