The
3PL logistics industry has undergone some dramatic changes in the last decade which saw some major mergers and acquisitions. The resulting companies, with their strengthened global presence and industry expertise, have come to dominate the
global 3PL market.
Supply Chain Digital has taken the opportunity to profile five of the biggest
3PL networks in the world currently.
While North American and European logistics companies rule the roost today, this looks set to change in the next decade, as China and India vie for a foothold in the
3PL sector. With regard to the recession, European companies have been hardest hit, which has slowed growth.
According to the 2009 Third-Party Logistics Study, 71 percent of respondents said “unpredictable demand is the most difficult challenge to managing and operating a
supply chain in an economic downturn”.
Efficiency is also key to any
3PL provider’s success, particularly in the current climate. Certainly, the companies listed operate highly efficient business models that have been replicated worldwide. In fact, this is one of the reasons for their influence in the
global 3PL market.
DB SCHENKER
Founded: 1994 as Deutsche Bahn AG
Services: DB Schenker provides a host of transport and
logistics services by air, ocean and land. In addition, it has a goods transport rail network at its disposal, and can specialize in
supply chain management as well as contract
logistics.
CEO: Dr. Rüdiger Grube (Deutsche Bahn AG)
No. of employees: 91,000
No. of locations: 2,000 in 130 countries
Turnover: 15 billion euros
www.dbschenker.com
CEVA LOGISTICS
Founded: 2007 as a result of the merger between TNT Logistics and EGL Eagle Global Logistics
Services: From contract
logistics, to end-to-end
supply chain, to freight management and consulting,
CEVA Logistics covers the spectrum of services. Its strength lies in the fact it was borne from a merger between two well established companies: TNT and EGL. The latter’s freight management pedigree and TNT’s expertise in the field of
logistics combined to form one of the world’s largest
3PL providers.
CEO: John Pattullo
No. of employees: 46,000
No. of locations: 170 countries
Turnover: 5.5 billion euros
www.cevalogistics.com
DHL
Founded: 1969
Services: DHL is a leader in the international express and
logistics industry. The company operates four specialist divisions: Express, Global Forwarding/Freight,
Supply Chain and Mail. Its presence in over 200 countries makes
DHL arguably one of the biggest providers of
logistics and
supply chain services globally.
CEO: Frank Appel
No. of employees: 300,000
No. of locations: 200 countries
Turnover: 46.2 billion euros
www.dhl.com
CON-WAY INC
Founded: 1990
Services: The California-based freight transportation and
logistics company delivers its services through three operating companies:
Con-Way Freight,
Con-Way Truckload and Menlo Worldwide Logistics. The operating units specialize in less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload and intermodal freight transportation;
logistics, warehousing and
supply chain management services; and trailer manufacturing.
CEO: Douglas W. Stotlar
No. of employees: 30,000
No. of locations: 440 locations in 18 countries
Turnover: $4.3 billion
www.con-way.com
CAT LOGISTICS
Founded: 80 years ago
Services: Cat Logistics’ expertise lies in strategic
supply chain design and analysis using network modelling tools. Its end-to-end solutions integrate
supply chain design with efficiency. Meanwhile, its Service Parts Management (SPM) solution utilizes visibility in the
supply chain to enhance collaboration.
President: Steve Larson
No. of employees: 12,000
No. of locations: 130 locations in 23 countries
Turnover: $32.4 billion
http://logistics.cat.com/