Third-party logistics providers have ramped up their sustainability efforts in 2008 and 2009 despite the effects of the global recession, according to a report sponsored by Penske Logistics.


The "Third Party Logistics Sustainability Report" is written by Dr. Robert C. Lieb, professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University, and Dr. Kristin J. Lieb, assistant professor of marketing communication, Emerson College. The report is based on key findings from the 2008 and 2009 "3PL Provider CEO Perspective" surveys, which interviewed 35 3PL CEOs across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific whose companies were responsible for generating approximately $60 billion in revenue each year.

Surveyed CEOs were asked if their companies had formal green/environmental sustainability programs in place, and 28 said they did. Twenty of these companies had also established a management position to oversee company efforts in the area.

According to the report, none of the companies surveyed in 2009 had scaled back sustainability goals due to the recession, and in fact, 63 percent said they had expanded the existing sustainability programs over the previous year. In addition, 71 percent of CEOs indicated they had launched completely new sustainability initiatives during the same time frame.

The report found that 28 of the 35 CEOs had positive experiences with their sustainability programs, such as reduced operating expenses, positive impacts on company employees, substantial savings in fuel costs and reduced fuel costs. Six CEOs reported that company sustainability efforts led to increased business with both existing and new customers.

"Compared with other industries, 3PL service providers are ahead of the game," said Lieb. "They appear to be planning for the long-term by recognizing emerging customer preferences and providing services consistent with them, even in the current market downturn."