ABOUT THE SURVEY RESPONDENTS
and tech-enabled answers. For example, survey takers repeatedly lauded top-spot occupier Echo Global Logistics for its ability to come through amidst turbulence. “Carrier rate volatility this quarter made it nearly impossible to lock in competitive pricing without burning hours on manual outreach,” says one voter, a logistics coordinator. “That pressure is exactly where Echo Global Logistics separated itself from the pack. Its algorithmic carrier-bidding engine automatically solicited bids across their carrier network and returned real-time feedback on pricing and capacity, which meant we were comparing live market rates in minutes rather than days.” “Pressure,” “backlog,” “logistics headaches,” and “staffing constraints” were just a few of the problems voters cited. “Keeping inventory positioned right across channels took more discipline this year, and the 3PLs carrying their weight stood out fast,” says one distribution coordinator. In total, our readers cast around 13,000 votes and heaped praise on the Top 10 3PLs for their role in maintaining supply chain fluidity, even in the face of geopolitical conflict. They achieve this by leveraging their expertise, experience, resources, and tech tools to manage all or part of a shipper’s transportation and logistics operations. “Proactive” was a word voters used often to describe these companies—they anticipated problems before they escalated and offered guidance as a partner. “The team flagged capacity tightness early and came back with workable options,” says one distribution coordinator. “Execution stayed steady across the board.” Says a fleet manager about seventh- place R2 Logistics, “The company has always been extremely friendly and proactive with not only me, but my drivers as well. They place value on relationships and treat everyone as a true partner.” Survey participants represent a range of verticals from automotive to pharmaceutical companies to well-known retailers such as Dollar General, Target, and Walmart. They include supply chain decision-makers from household names such as Amazon, Apple, Coca- Cola, Costco, CVS, and Google (see page 116) . Turning logistics from an operational challenge into a growth advantage, the Top 10 3PLs keep their clients’ day-to-day operations humming, no matter the headlines.
FUNCTION
COMPANY TYPE
Government, engineering, consulting 16%
Logistics, transportation, supply chain management 42%
Technology 11%
Manufacturing 44%
Corporate management 22%
Operations, production, procurement, materials management 25%
Retailer, ecommerce, wholesaler, distributor 40%
ANNUAL TRANSPORT SPEND
SERVICES SHIPPERS BUY
93%
$10 - $49 million 11%
Third-party logistics solutions
$100,000 - $1 million 34%
78%
Trucking (including dedicated contract carriage)
73%
Supply chain technology
$1 - $10 million 26%
71%
Ecommerce, small package
37%
$50 million or more 29%
Rail and intermodal
35%
Materials handling, automation, robotics
AND THE WINNERS ARE: 1 Echo Global Logistics 2 Hub Group 3 Kenco 4 ShipStation Global (previously WWEX Group) 5 DHL Supply Chain
ONES TO WATCH Amazon Supply Chain Services GXO KBX Logistics Landstar System Werner Enterprises
6 Lynden 7 R2 Logistics 8 PLS Logistics 9 ODW Logistics 10 Ryder
THE REVIEWS ARE IN
“ShipStation Global truly creates solutions beyond cost savings for their customers. They exude professionalism and integrity that shows they truly love to serve.” –Transport agent “Lynden’s support gave us a strong year. When carrier capacity tightened on Midwest lanes last quarter, the difference between a good 3PL and a great one showed up in the details, keeping transit commitments consistent across high-volume weeks, and resolving exceptions before they escalated into delivery failures.” –Distribution coordinator
“Echo Global Logistics provides effective, fast, and excellent communication. I’ve been working with ( name withheld ) at Echo many years now, and she always finds the best match for us. It’s seamless working with her and I never have any issues.” –Supply chain manager “Keeping ecommerce orders moving during peak season was harder this year when spot capacity dried up with almost no warning. Kenco gave us real options in those moments.” –Operations lead
“DHL Supply Chain offers flexibility, scalability, solutions, engineering excellence, technical capability, and ease of doing business.” –Senior director, logistics
July 2026 • Inbound Logistics 109
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