A survey of logistics executives revealed that continued pricing compression, reverse globalization and a commitment to green initiatives are key trends affecting global supply chains
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Results from the "2009 3PL Provider CEO Perspective" surveys were presented by Dr. Robert Lieb, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University, and Joe Gallick, Senior Vice President of Sales for Penske Logistics, at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Global Conference in Chicago last week.

Incorporating insights from 35 CEOs in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific region, this year, executives cited the global recession for becoming even more modest in their company and industry forecasts. Sponsored by Penske Logistics, the surveys found that more than 70 percent of third party logistics providers are launching new environmental initiatives. A trend toward reverse globalization was also noted.

"This year's survey results underscore the caution and anticipation felt by 3PL executives as they wait for signs of a global economic recovery," Lieb said. "Yet, despite bearish growth projections and acknowledgement that consolidation, pricing pressures and operational reductions were, and may continue to be, necessary adjustments, the opportunities for improved collaboration with customers, expansion into emerging markets and the possible addition of new management talent have many excited about the next several years."

"The past 12 months have posed unprecedented challenges for logistics providers around the world and yet opportunities for developing collaborative partnerships with customers have never been greater," said Vince Hartnett, president of Penske Logistics. "But in that time we have all learned a great deal and made business adjustments that have undoubtedly positioned the industry for steady growth and continued success as the economy rebounds."

The survey found that CEOs are projecting modest revenue growth, with CEOs in Europe forecasting negative growth rates for their companies during the next year.

Many CEOs indicated a trend toward reverse globalization and the shortening of supply chains in the next several years. Twenty CEOs said that some of their major customers had moved manufacturing from Asia to North or Central America or Eastern Europe.

Despite the global economic downturn, the 3PL industry has made significant strides in establishing environmental responsibility as part of broader corporate visions, with 25 of the companies reporting new sustainability initiatives in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, 22 have expanded existing programs and none reported scaling back environmental programs.

The status of business relationships was mixed this year, with CEOs in all three regions reporting more adversarial relationships with about 25 percent of their customers due to the recession. In contrast, with more than one-third of North American customers, 20 percent of European customers and 13 percent of Asia-Pacific customers, business relationships were becoming more collaborative.

Thirty-three respondents said that the economic downturn has intensified price compression in the industry.

CEOs completed 35 surveys via an Internet-based questionnaire during the summer of 2009. Companies participating in the annual survey included: Cardinal Logistics, DSC Logistics, DHL Exel Supply Chain, Genco Supply Chain Solutions, Kuehne+Nagel Logistics, Landstar, Menlo Logistics, Panalpina, NYK Logistics, Penske Logistics, Pittsburgh Logistics, Ryder Integrated Logistics, Schenker, Schneider Logistics, Transplace, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, UTi Integrated Logistics, Caterpillar Logistics Services, CEVA Logistics and Wincanton.