The 2023 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study was released Sept. 19, giving insight into the challenges and opportunities facing suppliers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). The publication, launched at the CSCMP EDGE 2022 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, was created in conjunction with NTT DATA, supply chain professor and researcher Dr. C. John Langley and Penske Logistics. It examines back-to-basics principles for supply chain professionals, the ongoing talent crisis and the rise of reverse logistics.

Labor shortages top of mind

The supply chain industry has been hit hard by labor shortages, with 78% of shippers, and 56% of 3PLs, reported that labor shortages have impacted their supply chain operations. Hourly workers (e.g., pickers and packers) and licensed hourly workers (e.g., truck drivers and equipment operators) continue to be the hardest roles for companies to hire and retain. Many see the talent shortage as a long-term issue, with 27% of shippers, and 29% of 3PLs, reporting they believe there has been a permanent shift.

No ignoring reverse logistics

Often neglected as the back half of the supply chain equation, reverse logistics has recently become an integral part of both the B2B and B2C buyer experience. Consumer-focused shippers rated the returns experience as being extremely important (75%) to consumer loyalty, and both consumer-focused shippers (65%) and business-focused shippers (60%) noted that return expectations are growing. As buying habits continue to shift, reverse logistics represents a key opportunity to boost efficiency and improve consumer satisfaction.

ESG isn’t here yet, but it’s not going away either

Corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) continues to be a top priority for today's supply chain. However, only 22% of shippers and 17% of 3PLs rated themselves as a trailblazer and a leader in ESG. Conversely, 45% of shippers and 41% of 3PLs rated themselves as average in their ESG targets. This discrepancy suggests that both shippers and 3PLs may be misaligned in implementing their ESG efforts.

“Although these organizations are all dealing with unprecedented change and volatility in the global marketplace, they continue to improve and create value for their end-user customers and consumers,” said Dr. Langley. “Hopefully, this year's study topics and results inspire further efforts to improve our supply chains via the benefits of successful 3PL-customer relationships."

“Attracting and retaining talent in the supply chain remains of central importance to shippers and logistics providers,” said Andy Moses, senior vice president sales and solutions, Penske Logistics. "There are talent needs industrywide from airline pilots, ship captains, truck drivers, and warehouse workers to engineers and technology professionals. People remain central to an efficient and functional supply chain to meet society's needs."

"I believe we are facing a talent pool crisis and until we can attract new talent into the profession — at all ages and levels — our 'talent crisis' will continue. Further, we are all aware of the lack of women in senior levels within supply chains, but diversity is more than gender,” said Sylvie Thompson, vice president, consumer brands, retail, and distribution practice leader, NTT DATA Services. “Our talent pool is not representative of the communities we work in nor where our teams live. We need to not only expand our pool from a numbers perspective but also from a diversity perceptive."

As far back as 1996, Dr. Langley initiated research to capture and measure this evolving industry and resulting studies have documented the transformation of the third-party logistics industry. The study and past versions are available for download at www.3PLStudy.com.