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Abstract
Purpose - Our annual surveys seek to provide insight into important market dynamics, opportunities and problems in the North American third party logistics (3PL) industry, from the perspective of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major logistics service companies. The information generated is not only useful to managers considering using such services, but also to provider CEOs to facilitate industry benchmarking.
Design/methodology/approach - For the past decade, that insight has been sought by conducting annual surveys of the CEOs of many of the largest 3PL companies serving North America.
Findings - The CEOs projected substantial revenue growth in the North American 3PL marketplace over the next three years. Their companies are becoming increasingly customer selective, and aggressively selling along customer supply chains. They are increasingly focusing attention on the possible large-scale adoption of RFID technology in the industry, and seeking ways to overcome industry pricing pressures.
Research limitations/implications - This survey focused on the largest 3PL companies operating in North America. However, many small-medium size companies now participate in that market, and little work has been done to document developments in that sector of the industry. Further, little research has been conducted concerning the provision and use of 3PL services in other geographies.
Practical implications - As previously noted, the findings not only give insight into the industry for those considering the use of 3PL services, but also give provider CEO a means of benchmarking their companies against industry averages.
Originality/value - Data generated in this survey provide a basis for comparison with that generated in our previous annual surveys, and an understanding of current 3PL market conditions.
Keywords United States of America, Surveys, Distribution management
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
As the third party logistics (3PL) industry has continued to evolve, it has clearly become more global in nature. In responding to the needs of a customer base that is increasingly global in its sourcing, manufacturing, sales, and distribution, large 3PL service providers have been challenged to put global service networks in place. The providers have responded in a variety of ways that have included acquisitions in other countries, development of alliances with foreign providers, and initiating their own operations in new geographies. The task of designing, building, and effectively operating these...