PEERLESS-三方物流服务：全球复苏中的重要合作伙伴（英文）-2020.11-37页_4mb

3PL Services Summary

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the third-party logistics (3PL) and freight forwarding industry in 2020, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by logistics professionals and service providers. It emphasizes the role of 3PLs in helping shippers navigate a volatile business environment, including the impacts of the pandemic, trade tensions, and the rise of e-commerce.

Main Trends and Challenges

• Volatility and Crisis: The logistics industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, trade tensions, and rising costs. Shippers are increasingly relying on 3PLs and freight forwarders to manage their supply chains effectively.
• Digital Transformation: The future of 3PL services is centered on digital innovation, including workflow automation, real-time cost data, and enhanced supply chain visibility. These technologies are becoming essential for competitiveness.
• Global Resilience: The pandemic has pushed 3PLs to focus on global resiliency, with many shifting strategies to ensure supply chain continuity and adaptability.
• Shift in Customer Relationships: There is a growing trend towards more strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with 3PLs, as companies seek better performance and cost savings. Smaller shippers are becoming more important in this context.

Key Players in the Market

Top 50 U.S. 3PLs (2019)

Top 50 Global 3PLs (2019)

Key Insights

• Impact of Trade Tensions: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have affected 3PLs, particularly those without a diversified service portfolio.
• Pandemic Effects: The pandemic has shifted demand towards larger shippers and increased the need for air freight due to B2C growth and healthcare-related spending.
• Cold Chain Growth: The cold chain sector is experiencing growth due to increased demand for perishable goods, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
• E-Commerce Surge: E-commerce has driven a significant increase in order volume, with some 3PLs seeing up to 81% growth compared to the previous year.
• Technology and Innovation: 3PLs are leveraging digital tools and platforms to improve efficiency, visibility, and service performance.
• Strategic Shifts: There is a move towards more strategic and long-term partnerships, with a focus on value proposition, customer satisfaction, and industry-specific expertise.

Case Study: LANXESS

LANXESS, a global chemical producer, shifted its logistics operations to a managed transportation provider, Odyssey Logistics & Technology, to address the complexity and risks associated with hazardous chemical transport. The move included the use of advanced transportation management systems (TMS) and real-time cost data, which improved supply chain visibility and efficiency.

Conclusion

The 3PL industry is evolving rapidly, driven by digital transformation, the need for global resiliency, and the increasing importance of e-commerce and cold chain logistics. Companies are rethinking their logistics strategies to ensure they remain competitive and profitable in a challenging environment.