Robots and AR have become a value generator in 3PL Services to reduce warehousing costs and enhance efficiency

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services Procurement Intelligence

Robust procurement of 3PL services has created new opportunities for e-commerce companies to solve logistics challenges and boost the supply chain. The global market size stood at USD 1,145.11 billion in 2023. Currently, North America account for 35% of the market share, followed by Europe and APAC. The APAC market is projected to grow fastest during the forecast period.

The increase in online shopping, along with the increasing demand for next-day delivery, has forced logistics service providers to switch to automated systems and robots in warehouses across the world. Logistics service providers are constantly upgrading their technology to meet the rising consumer demand and improve efficiency & productivity. To minimize errors and optimize warehouse space, many companies have started using Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and cobots alongside humans to perform tasks such as packing, sorting, loading, and unloading.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are used to enhance the automation capabilities of robots and to perform complex and dynamic tasks. Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide important aerial support alongside data communication and collection. Similarly, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain help companies monitor inventory levels, quality standards, and environmental conditions and verify the authenticity and origin of goods. Cloud and edge computing are used to check the security of robots and automation in 3PL by processing data faster with higher bandwidth and flexibility.

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3PL Services Sourcing Intelligence Highlights

• The global 3PL services market is highly fragmented due to the increasing number of small players trying to enter the space. Large corporations are strategically partnering with or acquiring other regional players to expand their knowledge of the local market and decrease overhead costs while maintaining better profit margins.

• Buyers can easily switch between logistics providers without incurring any significant switching costs due to the presence of multiple integrated service providers. In-house logistics is the only substitute for 3PL services. However, in-house logistics involves a high level of complexity and hence poses a minimal threat to 3PL services.

• Transportation and warehousing form the largest cost component, accounting for 70% of the total costs. The overall cost of transportation depends on many other cost components, such as rail, air, sea, or land modes.

• From a sourcing perspective, the companies mostly prefer approved provider models to reduce the risks and increase the potential for value creation.

3PL Procurement Intelligence Report Coverage

Grand View Research will cover the following aspects in the report:

• Market Intelligence, along with emerging technology and the regulatory landscape

• Market estimates and forecasts from 2024 to 2030

• Growth opportunities, trends, and driver analysis

• Supply chain analysis, supplier analysis with supplier ranking and positioning matrix, supplier’s recent developments

• Porter’s 5 forces

• Pricing and cost analysis, price trends, commodity price forecasting, cost structures, pricing model analysis, supply and demand analysis

• Engagement and operating models, KPI, and SLA elements

• LCC/BCC analysis and negotiation strategies

• Peer benchmarking and product analysis

• Market report in PDF, Excel, and PPT and online dashboard versions 

Cost Intelligence Highlights

As part of the 3PL services procurement intelligence report, Grand View Research has identified the following key cost components:

• Transportation

  • Road

  • Air

  • Sea

  • Rail

• Warehousing

  • Order Picking

  • Storage

  • Shipping

  • Receiving

  • Others

• Inventory Carrying and Administration

  • Insurance

  • Freight

  • Service Fee

  • Storage

  • Admin

Warehousing and transportation form the largest key cost components of the 3PL Service. 

3PL Services-Key Suppliers

• United Parcel Service

• DHL

• Kuehne + Nagel

• FedEx Corporation

• Nippon Express

• DB Schenker

• C.H. Robinson

• CEVA Logistics

• Burris Logistics

• XPO Logistics

• J.B Hunt Transport Services