How To Integrate 3PL Services Into Your 2026 Planning
As rising costs, increasing complexity and shifting market conditions continue to challenge those in the supply chain, integrating logistics services into 2026 planning can help shippers improve their supply chain operations and control costs.
“Third-party logistics providers are being called upon to help shippers navigate an unprecedented mix of challenges — including shifting labor regulations, geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty — while simultaneously improving efficiency and controlling costs,” according to the 2025 State of Logistics Report, which is created annually for CSCMP and sponsored by Penske.
As shippers plan for the year ahead, engaging a 3PL can have several benefits.
Network Optimization:
Network design has become essential as supply chain complexity and uncertainty increase. Determining a supply chain’s optimal physical structure and optimizing the network can increase efficiency, free up capacity and improve equipment and driver utilization. According to the State of Logistics Report, network design is shifting from an effort done every three years to more of a continuing exercise to keep pace with the rate of change and volatility.
Improved Service Levels:
The 2025 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study found that 3PLs can help shippers enhance operations and cut costs. Among respondents, 82% agreed that the use of 3PLs contributes to improved customer service, 66% said 3PLs contribute to reducing overall costs, and 68% noted that 3PLs provide new and innovative ways to improve logistics effectiveness.
Increased Responsiveness:
The ability to scale operations quickly creates a strategic advantage, and 3PLs can help shippers adapt to fluctuating demand.
End-to-End Visibility:
Real-time supply chain visibility enables faster, more informed decision-making. From freight tracking to inventory management, 3PLs help shippers identify the best deployment points, boost resilience and respond rapidly when disruptions occur.
Supply Chain Diversification:
Diversification is expected to intensify as companies rethink their long-term sourcing strategies, move production closer to end markets and seek out supplier redundancy. 3PLs can help determine the optimal sourcing and storage locations to help reduce the risk of disruptions.
Scalable Capacity:
Whether entering new markets or navigating peak seasons, 3PLs provide access to flexible, scalable capacity without the need to invest in trucks, terminals or staff.
Strategic Warehouse Management:
Modern warehouse design must emphasize scalability and agility. 3PLs can reconfigure space, streamline product flows, and improve speed and reliability across warehouse operations to support future growth and evolving demands.
Access to Technology:
Big data analytics, artificial intelligence and automation are becoming essential tools for optimizing supply chains. Leading 3PLs offer advanced solutions, including AI-powered planning, predictive analytics and real-time visibility. Partnering with a 3PL allows shippers to access these tools without lengthy implementation cycles or high capital costs.
Operational Resilience:
Disruptions, whether they are from supply chain bottlenecks or geopolitical uncertainty, can challenge supply chains. A diversified logistics strategy that includes contingency planning, technology to run what-if scenarios, and supply chain visibility can identify high-risk areas and solutions to mitigate risk.
Industry Expertise:
3PLs bring niche expertise that can help shippers improve their service offerings and compete in new verticals.
Sustainability Strategy Alignment:
Sustainability continues to gain prominence as regulatory pressure and consumer expectations grow. Penske supports decarbonization efforts by providing insights into emissions, optimizing routes, enabling alternative fuels like renewable diesel, and offering electric vehicle deployments to help shippers meet their GHG goals while maintaining service levels.
AI-Driven Decision Support:
Artificial intelligence enables new levels of speed and accuracy. Penske leverages AI to assess millions of variables that allow for real-time forecasting and visibility, automation and optimization.
Labor Strategy Support:
With ongoing labor market/recruiting volatility and changing regulatory environments, Penske is helping customers stay ahead by managing recruiting, training and retention strategies. Dedicated logistics providers can reduce the risk of driver shortages and warehouse staffing issues by offering flexible, scalable labor models.
Risk Management and Scenario Planning:
Daily logistics challenges are adding new layers of complexity to business operations. Penske can provide scenario modeling and risk mitigation strategies like what-if scenarios with alternative route planning and sourcing options to protect continuity and minimize disruptions.
Inventory Placement Strategy:
Strategic inventory positioning is key to shortening delivery times and enhancing customer satisfaction. Penske uses real-time demand data, network modeling and predictive analytics to recommend optimal inventory locations based on cost, speed and service objectives. Perhaps this can impact the supply chain in both positive and negative ways.
Cold Chain Expansion and Innovation:
Growth in pharmaceuticals, food and grocery e-commerce is fueling demand for advanced cold chain logistics. Penske is expanding temperature-controlled networks and deployment methods to ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance across every mile.
Preparing for 2026 With Penske
As you create your 2026 plans, we can provide customized logistics solutions to help you meet your financial and operational goals. Our service offerings include supply chain management, dedicated contract carriage, freight management, freight brokerage, transportation services, and warehousing and distribution services.
Explore additional strategies for freight and capacity planning.