14 th Annual Third-Party logistics Study, 2009

Since its inception, the Annual Third-Party Logistics study has documented the growth and evolution of the third-party logistics (3PL) industry. To date, the focus has been on identifying and tracking key trends and views of the 3PL industry largely from the perspective of 3PL customers (shippers) and others who currently choose not to use 3PLs. This year, however, the study scope was expanded to include the views of 3PL providers on these topics.

The 2009 3PL study includes three streams of research: a web-based survey, workshops with shippers leveraging survey content and the Capgemini Accelerated Solutions Environment ® (ASE) and focus interviews with industry executives. Respondents represent a broad range of industries and hail predominantly from North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, in addition to other locations throughout the world such as South Africa and the Middle East.

Discovering and exploring 3PL industry trends, issues, and opportunities is the overall objective of the 2009 Third-Party Logistics Study. Each year, the study results as well as greater industry developments suggest trends that warrant closer examination. Included in the 2009 study are special topic reports on economic volatility, the IT capability gap and supply chain orchestration.