COVER STORY 2023 D BY GT STAFF AMERICA’S LEADING 3PLs uring this topsy-turvy time in global logistics, it’s nice to read that the recent Bloomberg | Truckstop semi-annual freight survey shows brokers remain relatively optimistic about their prospects over the next six months in the face of weaker demand, falling rates and increased competition. “Despite fewer spot opportunities and moderate economic activity, brokers remain fairly optimistic with about 61% surveyed expecting demand growth over the next six months,” said Lee Klaskow, senior freight transportation and logistics analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Freight-broker sentiment is becoming less bleak as spot-rate conditions might be nearing a bottom and an economic soft landing may be achievable.” The Bloomberg | Truckstop first half 2023 survey of 184 freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers and broker agents, as well as asset and non-asset-based brokers, showed optimism when it came to demand, spot rate sentiments and gross margins. Most respondents (61%) have 1-50 employees. Of those surveyed, broker agents made up the biggest group (34%), followed by non-asset-based brokers (28%) and 3PL providers (22%). Let’s keep that industry positivity going as Global Trade unveils America’s Leading 3PLs 2023. We have broken up our selections by these 10 categories: Air-Savvy, Cold Chain, Conscientious, Cross-Border, Intermodal, Last Mile, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Retail/E-commerce, Tech-Savvy, and Truck-Savvy. Which leads to our annual disclaimer: Just because we are highlighting a third-party logistics company in one category, that does not mean the 3PL is any less excellent in another category. For instance, we recognize Hub Group in Truck-Savvy, but the Oak Brook, Illinois company would fit just as perfectly in the LTL category. With that out of the way, it’s on to this year’s winners! www.globaltrademag.com AUG/SEPT2023 31
Global Trade Aug/Sep 2023: Page 31
