ABOUT

THE RESPONDENTS

Respondents

Figure 6.1 shows the percentage of shipper respondents to the survey, including both users (44%) and non-users (9%) of 3PL services, and the percentage of 3PL or 4PL respondents (27%). The non-user responses are helpful because they provide valuable insights on why some organizations have elected not to use 3PLs, as well as their perspective on several other relevant topics throughout the study.

Figure 6.1: About the Respondents
Figure 6.2: Respondent Levels

Respondents are typically vice presidents, directors, senior directors or managers and above from a mixture of different industries (see Figure 6.2).

Shippers

Figure 6.3 shows the 10 most prominent industries reporting use of 3PL services, including retail and consumer brands (24%), food and beverage manufacturing or distribution (24%), manufacturing and heavy machinery (23%), and automotive (13%).

Figure 6.3: Shippers by Industry
Figure 6.4: Shippers by Georgraphy

Figure 6.4 groups shippers by geographic location. A high concentration of shippers operates in the U.S. (73%). Other top locations represented include Europe (58%), Canada (42%) and Asia (32%).

3PL Providers

3PL executives and senior leaders responded to a similar but separate version of the survey. Since most 3PL respondents service multiple geographical areas, the study team asked them to select all major geographies where they provide service (see Figure 6.6). All major regions are represented, but the top areas include the U.S. (66%), Europe (32%), Canada (29%), Mexico (18%) and the Middle East (18%).

Figure 5: 3PLs by Geography Serviced
Figure 6: 3PLs by Industry Serviced

Figure 6.7 shows that 3PL respondents serve a distinct collection of industries, ranging from retail and consumer brands (42%) to consumer-packaged goods (42%) and food and beverage manufacturing or distribution (24%).