Construction of 3PL-oriented Dynamic Logistics Alliance Model with Automatic Negotiation

With respect to the increasing complexity and variation in the marketplace environment, many enterprises join dynamic logistics alliances with 3PL (third-party logistics) providers to reduce operational costs and improve the logistics service level and their degree of competitiveness. However, as market opportunities emerge, it is not a straightforward task for enterprises to take part in dynamic logistics alliances with 3PL providers. In this paper, considering the disparities among ally members with respect to business environmental issues and preferences regarding risk or decision making, we propose an automatic negotiation model for constructing effective dynamic logistics alliances. We also designed an automatic negotiation process and negotiation concession strategies based on member perspectives. Finally, we conducted a simulation experiment on a coal logistics scenario and demonstrate that the proposed model and processes are effective and efficient in building 3PL-oriented dynamic logistics alliances.