But while 3PLs may see the value of their services and capabilities – and the value of outsourcing in general – in terms of “dollars and sense,” outsourcers provide more revealing testimonies to the special relationships that exist with their logistics partners. Consider, If You Will... Here’s what companies responding to our annual Reader’s Choice: Top 10 3PLs survey had to say about the mer- its of their 3PL partners: ■ Maple Leaf Bakeries says Total Logistic Control “is not as well known as the bigger players, but does a much better job.” ■ For YKK AP America Inc., work- ing with Ryder is good for business: “Ryder helps us provide customers with the right product, at the right time, in the right quantity, and in the best quality.” ■ MeadWestVaco appreciates C.H. Robinson’s willingness to go the extra mile: “C.H. Robinson has always been responsive and willing to try different approaches to satisfy customers.” ■ Unilever trusts Transplace to meet whatever challenges come its way: “Transplace representatives do every- thing they possibly can to resolve emergencies and last-minute changes. Their everyday execution is great, too.” If a common thread exists among these sentiments it is that 3PLs are going above and beyond their tech- nical expertise and capabilities to meet and exceed the unique service demands of their customers. Such reactions aren’t that surprising con- sidering the increasing symbiosis between logistics service providers and their customers. The 3PL has become an exten- sion of the enterprise, sharing the risks of operating in a time-sensitive, capacity-constrained, cost-conscious environment, while dually reaping the rewards of helping companies
match supply to demand and tap new opportunities to grow market share. As businesses continue to expand offshore interests and streamline domestic distribution networks to flex with shifting market conditions, the demand for service providers that can work in concert with customers and other 3PLs to efficiently integrate
disparate supply chain links and expe- dite the inbound flow of global goods will only increase. Where manufacturers/retailers and 3PLs will take the outsourcing dynamic beyond the present is dif- ficult to discern, but the pathway is clear: the 3PL Zone is marked by col- laboration and innovation. ■
SIGNPOST # 4 Inbound Logistics ’ Annual 3PL Issue If you’re not quite “in the zone” yet, Inbound Logistics ’ jam-packed coverage of the 3PL industry is sure to push you over the edge. We inves- tigate trends in the 3PL market, profile the industry’s leading players, and scope out success stories that serve as an example of where companies and their logistics service providers are taking global outsourcing. PAGE 74 Go Ahead…Pile It On A few years ago, 3PLs were most likely found handling basic tasks that a company’s supply chain department couldn’t get to. Today, 3PLs sit firmly in the driver’s seat, managing entire global supply chains, providing advanced logistics technologies, and offering numerous val- ue-added services. Changing domestic and global market conditions have made 3PLs the norm, rather than the exception, for many shipper companies. PAGE 81 Outsourced Logistics: 4Ward Momentum The quest for sup- ply chain reliability, visibility, and manageability has led enterprises to expand their outsourced logistics partnerships – as well to seek the expertise of fourth- party service providers capable of supervising them all. But what is the real role of today’s 4PL? How does it differ from a 3PL? Inbound Logistics explores the changing dynamics of the 4PL/LLP market. PAGE 91 Reader’s Choice: Top 10 3PLs A yearly Inbound Logistics tra- dition: readers vote, IL compiles the results, and the best 3PL providers come out on top. IL readers boast a broad range of experience based on their buying habits, and that comes into play when they vote to select the best-of-breed in outsourced logistics. PAGE 99 3PL Perspectives Our 2007 3PL Market Insight Survey investi- gating the $102-billion 3PL industry offers readers a chance to gauge the latest trends in the 3PL marketplace, and see if their 3PL has kept pace. PAGE 112 Top 100 3PLs This annual decision support tool provides in- formation on 3PL capabilities and services to help readers evaluate logistics partners. Drawn from hundreds of questionnaire responses, interviews, and re- search, Inbound Logistics editors compile and present the most complete and current information on 3PLs available anywhere. Readers use this resource all year long as they seek to match their needs to the best logistics partners. PAGE 122 3PL RFP Readers match their logistics challenges with the appro- priate 3PL by using IL ’s free RFP service, both in print and online.
72 Inbound Logistics • July 2007
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