3PL study explores evolving shipper–provider relationships, technology and collaboration

The 2026 Annual Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Study marks its 30^th anniversary as a key benchmark of the U.S. supply chain, highlighting how relationships between shippers and logistics providers are shifting from transactional to strategic partnerships.

Led by Dr. C. John Langley of Penn State University in collaboration with NTT DATA and Penske Logistics, the study examines collaboration trends and emerging technologies shaping the logistics landscape.

This year’s report focuses on three themes: the evolution of shipper–3PL relationships, successful strategic partnerships and the role of new technologies in supply chain operations.

According to the study, shippers are increasingly prioritizing strategic relationships driven by supply chain disruptions (81 per cent), cost optimization through collaboration (76 per cent) and digital transformation (57 per cent). On the 3PL side, top considerations include demand for end-to-end visibility (61 per cent), customized services (61 per cent) and collaborative cost optimization (56 per cent).

Technology remains central, with 90 per cent of shippers identifying tech capabilities as a key factor when selecting a 3PL. Both shippers (80 per cent) and 3PLs (81 per cent) are deploying advanced analytics, while 67 per cent of shippers and 73 per cent of 3PLs use artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Barriers to adopting new technology include funding, unclear business cases, lack of talent, trust, risk aversion and scalability.

“The 3PL industry has grown and transformed significantly over the past 30 years. Both shippers and providers and managers of supply chain services have responded forcefully to the continually changing and challenging business and supply chain environments,” said Langley.

“In 30 years of the 3PL study, we’ve tracked countless industry shifts, but this year holds something unique,” said Shanton Wilcox, senior vice-president of supply chain consulting at NTT DATA. “For the first time, we see an overlap with a significant and ubiquitous business condition in the global tariffs, coinciding with material advancements in enabling technology, namely AI. This situation provides the motivation and capability for organizations to address the volatility and dynamic nature of this business challenge.”

Visit here to download the full report.