BY GARY FRANTZ, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
3PLs AND BROKERS
Transportation Report
2020 is shaping up as
a uniquely challenging
time for freight brokers
and third-party logistics
service providers. Those
who can adapt may find
opportunities aplenty.
THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS (3PLs) AND FREIGHT
brokers face another challenging year ahead. Among those challenges are the
ongoing consequences of geopolitical events, the battle over tariff and trade policies, a global manufacturing and industrial sector that’s tapping the brakes on
output, new technologies disrupting traditional models, and difficulties in finding
the next generation of logistics professionals—including truck drivers.
Above all else, shippers are looking to their 3PLs and brokers to be flexible,
responsive, and creative in helping them overcome a myriad of supply chain
challenges.
“There is an emphasis on supply chain agility, creating the ability to modify
supply chains [quickly] to accommodate situational ‘best cost,’” says Michael
Labadie, global lead for automotive and industrial at Houston, Texas-based 3PL
Crane Worldwide Logistics.
The impact of the trade war has been “increased cost pressure on transportation
and increased focus on customs and importation practices,” Labadie says, adding
Tariffs, technology,
slowing economy drive
3PLs to adapt — again
