While sensor-laden containers, smart ships and 3D printing have grabbed the headlines, the start-ups making the biggest inroads are those working on something more basic - streamlining the interaction between shippers, freight forwarders and those actually transporting the goods.

A weak trend of improvement in the Stifel Logistics Confidence Index is evident, though the Index is still short of the neutral 50 point mark.

All CEOs of 14 North American 3PLs say their companies were profitable in 2015 and believe the regional 3PL industry had also been profitable for the year. Moreover, each sees the bottom line continuing to be positive over the next three years.

Today's rapid pace of change is adding complexity to the roles of shippers and their logistics providers, so many 3PLs have evolved from tactical service providers to collaborative partners that take on greater accountability and control. Providers have also increased their technology expectations, and 3PLs are responding with increased capabilities.