3PLs hopeful but jittery

Third-party logistics providers say the freight slump may finally be easing in 2026, but tariffs are still scrambling demand and planning. (ttnews.com) Transport Topics reported April 20 that many large 3PLs expressed cautious optimism in its 2026 Top 100 Logistics Companies survey after a downturn that had lasted nearly four years. Respondents said conditions could improve gradually as the year moves forward. (ttnews.com) The same survey found tariffs imposed in 2025, and later policy shifts, are still disrupting freight planning in early 2026. 3PLs said the uncertainty is producing erratic shipment volumes, delayed shipper requests for proposals, and more flexible inventory and network plans. (ttnews.com) A third-party logistics provider arranges freight, warehousing, customs or other supply-chain work for shippers that do not want to run all of that themselves. When freight volumes swing suddenly, those companies can see routing patterns, warehouse demand and pricing change at the same time. (ttnews.com) The industry is coming off a long reset after the pandemic boom. Armstrong & Associates estimated U.S. third-party logistics net revenue rose 1.6% to $131.2 billion in 2024 after a 12.8% drop in 2023, while gross revenue across the four main 3PL segments increased 1.1% after a 26.1% decline the year before. (ttnews.com) That weak rebound left operators looking for firmer signs of a turn in 2026. FTR Transportation Intelligence said in a Jan. 8 outlook that North American truck loadings would rise just 0.1% this year, calling it a “marginless recovery” as costs keep climbing. (ttnews.com) Tariffs are also changing where freight moves. Transport Topics reported that many 3PLs expect more diversification toward Mexico and other North American supply-chain routes as shippers try to reduce exposure to sudden trade-policy changes. (ttnews.com) That shift has been building for months. A January 2026 Transport Topics report said reshoring and nearshoring are expected to lift North American trucking over three to five years, with more freight moving through Mexico hubs such as Chihuahua and Laredo. (ttnews.com) The tension for 3PLs is that volatility can create demand for outside help, but it also makes forecasting harder. For now, the industry’s message is that freight may be getting better in 2026, just not steadier. (ttnews.com)