READING, PA — The 2026 Annual Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Study, led by Penn State’s Dr. C. John Langley with NTT DATA and Penske Logistics, marks its 30th year with findings that show shipper–3PL relationships moving from transactional to strategic, alongside wider use of analytics, AI, and automation.
The report, available at 3PLStudy.com, focuses on: how shippers and 3PLs are evolving into strategic partners; what makes those partnerships successful; and which technologies are changing operations.
Shippers cited disruption management, cost optimization through collaboration, and digital transformation as key reasons to deepen partnerships. Providers highlighted demand for end-to-end visibility, customized/value-added services, and collaborative cost control. Contracts remain central: service level agreements are standard, and many arrangements include guaranteed volume/capacity, flexible termination terms, contract extensions, and continuous improvement targets. More than half of shippers reported they do not rebid at contract end, signaling stability with incumbent partners.
Technology capability is now a decisive selection factor. Most shippers and 3PLs report using advanced analytics, with rising adoption of AI and machine learning. Barriers include funding, unclear business cases, talent gaps, trust, risk appetite, and scalability.
Dr. Langley said the industry has grown and adapted over three decades to meet changing business and supply chain conditions. NTT DATA’s Shanton Wilcox pointed to a unique convergence of global tariff pressures with meaningful advances in AI, creating both motivation and capability to address volatility. Penske Logistics’ Stacy Schlachter praised the study’s longevity and its deeper analysis of how partnerships and new technologies are shaping outcomes.
The study—founded by Dr. Langley and sponsored by NTT DATA and Penske Logistics—continues to track how collaboration and emerging tech are redefining the U.S. supply chain.
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