Supply chain change management is vital, 73 percent of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and 61 percent of shippers say, according to the recent 2025 Third-Party Logistics Study.
The study examines the evolving dynamics within the supply chain in three areas: Change management, artificial intelligence (AI), and the direct-to-consumer experience. It was spearheaded by Dr. C. John Langley of Penn State University and developed in collaboration with NTT DATA and Penske Logistics.
“This year’s study once again achieves success with providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the key issues facing our supply chains today,” said Ramu Pannala, Vice President of Supply Chain Technology, Penske Logistics. “Technology will drive the industry forward in many exciting ways.”
Other findings include:
The majority of 3PLs, 76 percent, and shippers, 58 percent, employ a change management framework. Economic factors, technological advancements, and customer experience have created a demand for change management.
Shippers and 3PLs believe AI can be pivotal for automating repetitive tasks, automating data analysis, identifying patterns, and solving problems. Of those seeking to add AI technology, 19 percent of 3PLs and 33 percent of shippers seek implementation related to supply planning and demand forecasting.
When asked about transportation and route optimization technologies, 22 percent of 3PLs and 27 percent of shippers plan to install these capabilities.
The number of customers seeking expedited deliveries has increased. Forty-eight percent of shippers and 53 percent of 3PLs reported customers routinely expect deliveries in less than two days, while 27 percent of shippers and 26 percent of 3PLs reported customers routinely expect deliveries that are three-days or less.
Less than half of companies are willing to absorb the costs related to shipping speeds.