Kenco has acquired the 3PL business of Drexel Industries along with its four warehouse locations, enhancing its logistics network in North America. This acquisition will improve Kenco's service capabilities in Canada, providing clients with a wider range of logistics solutions and integrating 100 employees from Drexel.
In the current uncertain business environment, companies need to deepen their cooperation with third-party logistics (3PL) suppliers, transforming from simple transactions into strategic partnerships to achieve shared value and sustainable growth. Effective governance structures, performance management, real-time visibility, and joint innovation are key elements for success.
This article outlines the specific steps for selecting an excellent third-party logistics (3PL) provider, including involving professionals, gathering information, drafting RFI and RFP documents, and screening potential vendors. The aim is to assist companies in making more scientific and rational decisions to enhance logistics efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
This selection of "must-read" articles from "Logistics Management" magazine for 2025 covers key areas: transportation trends, logistics technology, and global logistics. The articles delve into crucial topics such as data, artificial intelligence, automation, e-commerce, reverse logistics, talent reshaping, tariff policies, freight forwarding, 3PL, trucking, ocean shipping, and warehouse automation. The aim is to help logistics professionals gain insights into market changes and grasp future development directions, preparing them for the evolving landscape of the industry.
The continued growth of e-commerce presents both opportunities and challenges, with surging order volumes, high return rates, and labor shortages becoming increasingly prominent. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers, leveraging their technology, scale, and expertise, are crucial for e-commerce businesses to address these challenges and improve efficiency. Through the application of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, 3PLs help companies optimize warehousing, transportation, and reverse logistics, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic market.
In the context of current economic uncertainty, businesses need to deepen cooperation with third-party logistics (3PL) to address challenges such as rising customer demand, increasing costs, and sustainable development goals. By establishing strategic partnerships, companies can enhance customer experience, optimize cost management, implement environmentally friendly practices, and mitigate geopolitical risks to ensure stable growth.
Fourth-party logistics (4PL) plays a vital role in modern supply chains by collaborating with 3PL providers to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. Its models include the "supply chain optimizer" (focused on technical support) and "solution integrator" (emphasizing comprehensive management). Case studies demonstrate 4PL's strong potential in cost optimization and service improvement, helping companies maintain competitive advantages.
Dairy companies face complex supply chain challenges and need to re-evaluate their logistics strategies. This article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of 1PL, 2PL, 3PL, and 4PL logistics models through the case study of dairy merchant John. It emphasizes that companies should choose the most suitable logistics solution based on their specific circumstances to optimize the supply chain, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and achieve business growth. The selection of the right logistics model is crucial for dairy businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
Supply chain experts at the CSCMP EDGE annual conference predict market stabilization despite rising costs and global uncertainties. The report highlights increasing logistics costs in the US. Experts analyzed the economic outlook, nearshoring trends, shipper-3PL collaborations, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on logistics. They believe technological advancements and strategic adjustments will be crucial in navigating these challenges. The discussions focused on how businesses can leverage AI and adapt their supply chain strategies to maintain stability and manage costs effectively in the face of ongoing disruptions.
This article reflects on the author's experience at the eyefortransport 3PL Summit, highlighting its value for logistics companies amid economic recovery. The summit offered insights into industry trends, networking opportunities, and best practice learning. It conveyed optimism and focused on key issues such as policy, mergers and acquisitions, energy, and technology. The summit provided strategic advice for businesses to seize growth opportunities. It emphasized the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics and leveraging innovative solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving logistics landscape.
