Europe continues to fluctuate in and out of recession with ongoing economic austerity which is negatively impacting its output. Based upon its 2012 regional revenue, Armstrong & Associates estimates that 3PLs operating in Europe have penetrated 23 percent of the total potential market, so the trend to outsource logistics functions to 3PLs continues to provide for growth over and above the overall economy. The best European-based 3PLs have made acquisitions to globalize their operations and participate in developing markets with higher rates of growth.

A designer and developer of colorful cases and covers for cell phones and other wireless devices found that its warehousing and distribution model was old hat. A new logistics services partner brought a new look to things.

In October 2012, the American Logistics Aid Network used its extensive network of supply chain management professionals to help victims of one of the nation's most devastating hurricanes. The lessons learned there have continuing applicability.

Kuehne & Nagel has expanded its offering of less-than-containerload (LCL) services in the Asia-Pacific and Europe-Australia trades.