Navigating the Challenges of Shipper-3PL Relationships: Insights from the 2025 Third-Party Logistics Study
The 2025 Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Study from NTT DATA, Penske, and Penn State has been released, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong relationships between shippers and 3PLs. While 89% of shipper respondents reported successful relationships with 3PLs, this is a decrease from 95% in the previous year. Similarly, 94% of 3PL respondents said their relationships were successful, down slightly from 99% in the prior year. This trend underscores the need for regular check-ins and effective management of these relationships.
The study also revealed that managing change is mission-critical for both shippers and 3PLs. As a result, 58% of shippers and 76% of 3PLs are actively using structured change-management tools. However, with the Amazon effect impacting the industry, consumers in large markets expect deliveries from shippers in two days or less, and nearly half of shippers report that sub-2-day delivery and real-time tracking are now table stakes.
In addition to managing change, 3PLs must also overcome challenges such as system integration, lack of skilled personnel, and making the right AI investments to meet shippers’ expectations. The study found that about 74% of shippers would switch providers based on AI solutions, making it a significant competitive advantage for 3PLs that offer them. However, to succeed, 3PLs must invest in AI smartly and pinpoint use cases with clear return on investment (ROI).
Sustainability is also a key factor in the industry, with nearly half of shippers reporting that it is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a decision driver for environmental accountability. Regionalization is also a big move in 2025, with about 76% of shippers and 71% of 3PLs shifting toward nearshoring or reshaping production to be more local/regional.
Dr. C. John Langley, clinical professor at the Center for Supply Chain Research at The Pennsylvania State University and founder of the annual study, said, "The supply chain environment is changing. A lot of organizations are contemplating alternate approaches and rethinking their strategies. As a result, they are taking a more critical, in-depth look at their relationships and partnerships."
In conclusion, the 2025 Third-Party Logistics Study highlights the need for regular check-ins and effective management of relationships between shippers and 3PLs. It also underscores the importance of managing change, investing in AI smartly, elevating speed, visibility, and sustainability, and being nearshore-ready to support nearshoring trends. With these insights in mind, both shippers and 3PLs can navigate the changing landscape and thrive in the future.
