Logistics service providers were recently asked about the key concerns of shippers when outsourcing to a third-party company. "Loss of control" was believed to be the top concern by over three-quarters of 3PL respondents according to research by eyefortransport, a logistics-related events and education organization. Yet, according to the results of a 3PL users' survey, only 28% of shippers see loss of control as a primary barrier to logistics outsourcing. Shippers considering outsourcing were more concerned about "service issues" and "higher costs."
The shippers' survey also highlighted a mismatch between the outsourcing of warehouse management and actual inventory management. The 3PL survey highlighted the retail sector as top of the list for vertical industry growth potential, and China and North America as the top regions. Based on surveys of North American 3PLs and 3PL users, the 3PL Market Report 2007 and the Outsourcing Logistics Report 2007 can be downloaded for free.
Eyefortransport will host its 5th Annual 3PL Summit and Outsourcing Logistics Conference on June 25-27, 2007, at the Intercontinental Buckhead in Atlanta.
