Top 10 3PLs: Readers’ Choice Excellence Awards
We got your messages and votes. All 12,500 of them. Readers say these third-party logistics providers are tops when it comes to customer service and responsiveness.
Shippers expect a lot from their third-party logistics (3PL) providers. The 3PLs that nabbed a Top 10 3PL Excellence Award deliver—and then some.
Quick replies to queries? NP. Fixes for any issues that arise? Already on it. The 3PLs on this short list don’t say TTYL or BRB. They’re on top of it, whether it’s managing inventory or delivering freight on time.
With the supply chain disruptions and upheaval of the past few years, saying “no worries” to supply chain challenges is no easy feat. Yet these 3PLs do it again and again. And this consistency and responsiveness earned kudos from our readers, who sent us 12,500 messages via our survey platform and made it abundantly clear who should get recognized.
Once again, Echo Global Logistics inspired the most plaudits. “Their representative has helped us more than I could describe. We couldn’t run our business without them,” said a respondent from a scientific equipment company about the top spot holder. Meanwhile, the 3PLs rounding out this list received ample praise as well, with readers mentioning customer service and excellent communication as the reasons they voted for them.
By managing a portion or all of a shipper’s transportation, warehousing, and logistics operations, 3PLs keep supply chains flowing—even during port shutdowns and labor shortages—by calling on their expertise, experience, resources, and technology offerings.
The shippers that took our survey hail from wide-ranging markets (see About the Survey respondents below), from retail to manufacturing and services. Voters include supply chain decision-makers from household names such as Amazon, Google, and Starbucks; retailers such as CVS, Target, and Kohl’s; as well as manufacturers such as Tarte Cosmetics, Unilever, and Whirlpool.
Year after year, our audience shortlists the 3PLs that are consistently excellent and doggedly determined to solve supply chain challenges, from occasional hiccups to pandemic-level shakeups and natural disasters. Their go-to providers get the job done.
They’re resourceful and responsive, offering solutions in times of upheaval and volatility. Readers put them to the text, time and time again. And they continue to respond.
1. Echo Global Logistics
2. Kenco
3. Hub Group
4. Sunset Transportation
5. SEKO Logistics
6. Werner
7. Ryder
8. DHL Supply Chain
9. Brown Integrated Logistics
10. R2 Logistics
1. ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS
Echo Global Logistics is a leading Fortune 1000 provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services.
Headquartered in Chicago with more than 30 offices around the country, Echo offers freight brokerage and managed transportation solutions for all major modes, including truckload, partial truckload, LTL, intermodal, temperature-controlled shipping and warehousing, and warehouse services.
Named one of Newsweek’s Most Trusted Companies in America, Echo continually sets the standard for third-party logistics providers by offering a variety of technology-driven services coupled with expert, 24/7 support.
Leveraging its advanced, web-based, and mobile app platforms, Echo analyzes data from its network of more than 50,000 transportation partners to help its 35,000 clients simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management.
The combination of technology and dedicated employees is what sets Echo apart from other 3PLs. In a highly competitive industry, delivering reputable and reliable service for clients and carriers fosters trust and transparency in the business of transportation management.
With the latest in artificial intelligence, as well as innovative, load-matching algorithms, Echo manages to tailor individualized service to every client’s unique shipping needs.
As the people at Echo like to say, “technology at your fingertips, experts by your side.”
Client Roster
Culligan International
Duracell
Greenheck
Johnstone Supply
Newell
Omron
Purely Elizabeth
Taraca Pacific
“Echo’s customer service is phenomenal. Our rep is always available and ready to assist with everything we need.”
2. Kenco
Kenco is privately held and smaller than many other top 3PLs, lending to its agility and customer-centric approach. But it also boasts similar operating scale and access to cutting-edge technology that its larger, publicly traded competitors offer.
From robotic process automation and proprietary, AI-enabled predictive analytics to large-scale automation and robotic fulfillment, Kenco offers the best of both worlds between niche, customized solutions and nationwide, service-integrated omnichannel delivery.
Its primary offerings include value-added distribution and fulfillment, transportation services, MHE fleet solutions, and supply chain consulting, design, and innovation. The Kenco Innovation Lab is noted for its innovation-as-a-service (InaaS) model and ability to quickly pilot and deploy physical and digital solutions with a low cost of entry.
It has also recently doubled down on its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, and is actively partnering with customers to build more sustainable and resilient supply chains.
Kenco has always been recognized first and foremost for its world-class lean operating system and people-first culture, driven by its motto to “be honest, serve, get better.” That’s why the typical contract client stays with Kenco for 14 years, and why it consistently earns best-in-class net promoter scores.
“Kenco has consistently ranked high on the Top 10 List over the past few years, meaning customers have recognized our abilities and competencies,” says Denis Reilly, president and CEO of Kenco Group. “This step up into the second-highest rank is quite an accomplishment, especially considering the competition. We have proven ourselves a reliable and agile partner for our clients, offering innovative solutions that drive their success.”
Client Roster
Alphalete
Chevron
Dow
General Mills
Jeni’s
Oatley
Reckitt
Stryker
Whirlpool
“Kenco goes above and beyond to create agility in our supply chain. We move fast and they stay right there with us.”
3. Hub Group
Over 50 years ago, Hub Group was founded on delivering service, integrity, and innovation to its customers.
Since then, the company has continued to be guided by these values while expanding its multi-modal capabilities across transportation and logistics management solutions.
Hub Group values its relationships by providing personalized solutions that create a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.
Its comprehensive, multi-modal solution design starts by evaluating the customer’s network, then looks top-down to uncover hidden value and opportunities to deliver guaranteed savings and service, while continuously assessing for improvements to drive long-term success.
“Hub Group offers exceptional service options, prices, and customer service.”
4. Sunset Transportation
Sunset Transportation is a six-time Top 10 3PL Provider with family roots, global reach, and best-in-class customer service.
The company is driven by the right-size fit for each customer, using domestic and global supply chain resources to be the ultimate service provider for shippers looking to streamline their logistics programs.
Sunset’s customers are the logistics heroes of their organization, accessing advanced transportation management solutions, reporting, and reliable execution.
Sunset’s culture of flexibility, responsiveness, loyalty, accountability, and creating meaningful relationships drives its day-to-day freight operations. Through those values, the 3PL promises each customer visibility, data-driven decisions, continuous improvement, and a long-term partnership on which they can rely.
“To earn the No. 4 spot on Inbound Logistics’ list is a humbling testament to how our customers and carriers view our responsive communication and flexible service,” says Lindsey Graves, CEO. “Given this year’s shifts in the freight industry, I’m so pleased and excited to see Sunset pushing our culture and service to the next level.”
Sunset is privately owned, with eight branch offices in the United States and Mexico. The company serves all domestic and international freight needs, including cross-border, warehousing, and supply chain engineering.
Sunset Transportation is the right-size 3PL, and proud to be the #4 3PL Provider in the country.
“Great team to work with. Excellent customer service.”
5. SEKO Logistics
Built on nearly 50 years of logistics expertise, SEKO Logistics specializes in expecting the unexpected. With a client-first approach, local expertise at global scale, as well as configurable technology platforms, SEKO is committed to finding shipping solutions that turn clients’ supply chains into a competitive advantage.
SEKO’s core ethos is providing hands-on support and expertise at the local level. SEKO takes the time to understand its clients’ unique business needs and provide a solution that delivers and ensures clients can maintain excellent relationships with their own customers.
SEKO recognizes a true logistics partner is present where and when clients need and is a responsible steward of the people, planet, and communities in which it operates. For example, SEKO has taken advantage of its extensive logistics networks to deliver more than 140 shipments of 914 tons of aid, reaching 2.2 million people impacted by conflict, global health issues, and natural disasters since 2022.
Additionally, SEKO recently established its first ESG goals and framework, named its first global head of sustainability, and launched its inaugural ESG report.
One exciting client collaboration that SEKO is undertaking utilizes new technology to tackle an old problem—packing efficiency. Working with a new partner, SEKO is reviewing packing configurations to make improvements that could save millions of metric tons of CO2 annually.
Client Roster
Beach House Group
Beckman Coulter
Canyon Bicycles
Castore Sportswear
Electronic Express
Ember
Jaguar Land Rover
Lyre’s Spirit Co.
MANSCAPED
Reiss
THG
Thuma
“Exceptional coverage and service.”
6. Werner
For more than 65 years, Werner has helped a variety of customers, retailers, manufacturers, and businesses get their goods where they need to be.
As an asset-backed 3PL with more than 14,000 associates across North America, Werner delivers innovative supply chain solutions to its customers and carriers.
Werner offers a diverse portfolio of transportation and logistics solutions including truckload brokerage, freight management, power only, intermodal, and final mile.
While leveraging its Werner DRIVESM strategy as its blueprint for the future, the acquisitions of NEHDS Logistics in 2021 and ReedTMS Logistics in 2022 have further elevated its portfolio.
Werner Logistics is passionate about continuing to invest in its customers and carriers to meet them where they are at. By utilizing the combination of people and technology, Werner delivers tailored solutions through an all-in-one digital platform, Werner Bridge, or a dedicated customer service representative.
Werner also strengthened its durability by expanding its Power Only initiative to Werner PowerLink. Through PowerLink, carriers can grow their business, reduce costs, and haul consistent freight by leveraging Werner’s extensive drop and hook network of more than 30,000 trailers.
Client Roster
Dollar General
The Home Depot
Walmart
“Innovative solutions. Superior service. Cutting-edge technology.”
7. Ryder
As a $12-billion fully integrated, port-to-door supply chain and logistics company, Ryder provides industry-leading supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions to some of the world’s largest and most recognizable brands.
By combining cutting-edge technology and business intelligence tools with 90 years of operational know-how, Ryder custom-engineers solutions around its customers’ operations.
To optimize supply chains and transportation networks, Ryder continues to build on $1.3 billion in strategic investments it has made over the past five years to develop, acquire, and invest in innovative customer-facing technologies, products, and services.
Ryder’s technology suite includes one-of-a-kind visibility and collaboration platform RyderShareTM, which enables everyone involved in moving goods through supply chains to easily see exceptions in real time and work together to prevent costly delays and find efficiency gains.
Ryder continues to expand its e-fulfillment network with a proven technology and operating platform that enables scalable ecommerce and omnichannel fulfillment solutions for brands big and small. For last-mile big-and-bulky deliveries, RyderViewTM enables consumers to self-schedule deliveries, while providing all parties notifications, order tracking, and 100% real-time visibility.
In May 2023, Ryder announced RyderElectric+TM, a turnkey solution to help customers navigate the electric vehicle landscape, with a transition roadmap with electrification advisors, vehicles, charging, telematics, and maintenance. Ryder also recently announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop electric vans to its lease and rental fleet through 2025.
By investing in innovation, developing end-to-end visibility tools, and testing new automation, Ryder implements technologies that drive value, create flexibility, and ultimately, increase resiliency.
Client Roster
BJC HealthCare
Conagra Brands
Do it Best
H&M
ICON/NordicTrack
Lennox
Macy’s
Shell
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
WB Mason
“Fast and reliable service.”
8. DHL Supply Chain
DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics leader within DHL Group, offers a broad suite of integrated solutions, bringing greater flexibility, predictability, and speed to customers’ supply chains.
The company creates a competitive advantage for its customers backed by 51,000 associates, 529 operating sites, 3 transportation control towers, and over 161 million sq. ft. in warehousing space. DHL Supply Chain is known for its exceptional operational service, innovative solutions, and deep expertise in major vertical markets.
DHL Supply Chain enables customers to grow their business by providing more certainty in operating performance and implementing lean logistics processes and automation that deliver greater efficiency, agility, and resilience. The company continues to focus on and invest in accelerated digitalization. This includes bringing robotic solutions to customers and digitalizing internal processes. These solutions help enable growth for customers.
“The success of DHL Supply Chain has been driven by three factors: We have the right processes in place to deliver for our customers, we have the right people by retaining and attracting the best talent in the industry, and we continue to prioritize accelerated digitalization. As a result, we deliver consistent and reliable results for our customers,” says Scott Sureddin, CEO, DHL Supply Chain, North America.
Client Roster
Advanced Drainage Systems
boohoo
Brooks Running
Carhartt
Vizient
“Multifunctional, fully capable, and absolutely reliable supply chain innovator that always meets or exceeds expectations.”
9. Brown Integrated Logistics
Brown Integrated Logistics’ culture and people motivated its customers to recommend it for a Top 10 3PL Readers’ Choice Excellence Award.
Since the mid-1960s, Brown associates have carried on a legacy of servant leadership, unmatched service, and a family atmosphere—making this company a great workplace and a provider of choice.
Brown dedicates time to articulating and defining its core values and company culture. These values put people and relationships first, and every associate is aligned around a guiding philosophy to deliver exceptional service to other employees, customers, vendors, and the community.
All levels of the organization share these basic principles with the intention of guiding its teams to perform their best, while also identifying areas where the company could improve—simply put, striving to achieve excellence.
Brown wants every employee, contractor, customer, vendor, and stakeholder to understand that this is what it stands for, and everyone in the company must embody these values.
D – Dedicated to Safety & Integrity
E – Empowerment & Accountability
L – Lead by Example
I – Integrated Solutions
V – Value Everyone
E – Encourage Quality & Creativity
R – Results Matter
Though Brown began in trucking, the company developed and acquired capabilities such as dedicated and regional truckload services, warehouse management, brokerage, and maintenance, forming Brown Integrated Logistics as it is today.
Brown Integrated Logistics is committed to utilizing technology to optimize efficiencies and reduce customer costs. As the company has grown, it has used its economies of scale to improve profitability and find ways to continually lower customers’ costs.
Brown uses company-owned assets and skilled independent contractors, giving it the flexibility to adapt to an ever-changing market and keeping the company, and its customers, ahead of the curve—while maintaining the family-owned feel and personality that started it all.
Client Roster
CKS Packaging
Domtar
DS Smith
Georgia-Pacific
Sonoco
United Airlines
“Professionalism not only from their drivers but also the corporate staff.”
10. R2 Logistics
R2 Logistics’ reputation as an industry leader is built around its motto: “Customer Service is Priority Number One.” This comes with the understanding that not all client needs are made equal.
R2’s talented staff of logistics professionals works with each customer to identify their unique supply chain requirements. By offering custom-tailored solutions, the R2 team builds trust and creates a forward-focused relationship instead of a transactional one.
Customers recognize the value R2 Logistics brings to their supply chains. This has been made apparent by the recent reception of customer awards such as ScottsMiracle-Gro Brokerage Carrier of the Year, U-Box Carrier of Choice, Shaw Floors Outbound Broker Carrier of the Year, and Chevron Full Truckload Best in Original Requested Delivery Date.
When market conditions can change without notice, the R2 transportation management system (TMS) gives shippers a hand up. The R2 TMS increases supply chain visibility and offers valuable data insights for efficient decision making.
When customers work with R2 Logistics, they not only receive world-class customer service but also technological advantages that drive their long-term success.