The global third-party logistics (3PL) market reached $1.47 trillion in 2022, according to Armstrong & Associates, Inc. (A&A), which on March 29 released an update to its report covering the various trends between third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and the customers they serve. This is an increase of 14.5% over 2021 revenues and the figure has nearly doubled since 2016.

The report collates information about more than 8,400 current 3PL customer relationships in 44 countries, totaling nearly 22,000 services.

A&A says that, globally, the three largest industry verticals are technological, automotive, and retailing. Combined, they represent nearly 57% of global 3PL revenue.

The report also found that, on average, 3PLs provide 2.60 services per customer relationship — often a combination of transportation management, warehouse management, and/or value-added services. This number has steadily decreased from the 2008 average of 2.98 and reflects an increase in 3PL use among mid-sized and small customers, companies that tend to have less complex supply chain service needs.

More information on A&A’s latest report, “Co-Managing the Turbulence: Trends in 3PL/Customer Relationships” as well as other market research, is available at A&A’s Guides and Market Research Reports.