Have your 3PLs achieved extraordinary results for you and your company? Have they been steadfast partners for years, through good times and tough? Have they saved you money, found efficiencies, boosted productivity, kept your supply chain flowing? Get them the recognition they deserve. Join thousands of your transport, supply chain, and business logistics peers and vote in our Annual Reader's Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards.

A record-breaking 5,100 votes were cast last year by a diverse cross-section of readers who had one thing in common -- they shared their 3PL experiences with IL readers around the world. Here's your chance to be heard.

Share this link with your colleagues and rally them behind your provider: www.inboundlogistics.com/top10

Did your 3PL land in last year's winner's circle? Did you agree with our readers' selections? Take a look at the 2008 Top 10 3PLs.

Ryder
UPS
Exel
C.H. Robinson
DB Schenker
Transplace
Penske Logistics
BNSF Logistics & Landstar (tie)
Schneider
TLC & Menlo (tie)

What companies will drop off the list; which ones will be added? YOU decide. Vote now in the Annual Reader's Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards.

Have a logistics challenge? Let us help find the answers. Many leading logistics providers have agreed to evaluate your specific outsourcing challenges and needs, and provide free, no-obligation advice, solutions, and information specific to your request. Click here to get started:
http://www.inboundlogistics.com/3pl/3pl_rfp.shtml

Thought leaders with years of experience in the third-party logistics segment have shared their views on a variety of topics with Inbound Logistics. It's like having your own private logistics consultants, free!

Why You Don't Want an Obedient 3PL
by Tom Jones, senior vice president, U.S. Supply Chain Solutions, Ryder

Have an opinion on any of these topics, or want to share something of your own? Click here to email the editor and request guest submission guidelines and details.

3PL Elements: Outsourcing = A Formula for Change
When shippers mix the 3PL elements of expertise, process efficiency, and technology into their supply chain, the results are potent: A stronger, more efficient, and cost-effective logistics operation. Step into the logistics lab for a look at how and why outsourcing can give businesses a positive charge.

Ask the Experts
Leading C-level execs with 260 years of combined logistics and transportation experience address tough industry questions. Their advice, words of caution, and strategic vision can help you face the challenges of 2009 and beyond.

Boost your 3PL skillset with these articles from leading logistics experts.

Are You Ready to Be a Partner?
When you are in the process of establishing the critical criteria and expectations of your third-party logistics provider, go to the ranks for input. Determine their challenges, needs, and expectations, recommends Michael Desmond, president and CEO of Paradigm Logistics.

3PL: Tactical Resource Or Strategic Partner?
When it comes to choosing a 3PL provider, what do you look for? Beyond competitive pricing, is it breadth of service? Specialty transportation capabilities? Global reach? Here are some suggestions from Peter Jamieson, chief operating officer of Wheels Group.

Type 3PLs into a search engine and thousands of results are returned. How to focus your search? Log on to Web_Cite City, and quickly visit the sites of the 3PLs best suited to meet your needs. The most comprehensive directory of third party logistics providers' web sites on the Internet. To browse all the sites of third party logistics providers, click here.

Choosing the right third-party logistics partner can be daunting, but doing your research is a step toward making the best decision. To get your search off the ground, here are some profiles of leading 3PLs who are ready and willing to tackle your logistics and transportation challenges.

3PL PROVIDER PLANNER PROFILES
See profiles of the leading 3PL companies.

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