GXO Logistics, which calls itself the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, is acquiring Irving, TX-based 3PL PFSweb for $181 million in an all-stock deal, the companies said, increasing GXO’s presence in apparel, footwear and health and beauty categories. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, and GXI paid a 50% premium to the Sept. 13 close.
While business success for retailers depends in large part on their supply chains, they are extremely difficult and complicated to manage. Handling shipping, distribution and other aspects of logistics on your own can easily occupy an outsized percentage of your attention. This is why many opt to hand off all or part of their fulfillment operations to a 3PL. Here’s how to find the right one for you.
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers play a pivotal role in guiding brands through the continuing evolution of retail and ecommerce. Brands aiming to adapt and excel need 3PL partners that leverage industry expertise, data and technology. This helps them enhance efficiency, promote collaboration and drive fulfillment innovation. Here’s how innovative 3PLs are spearheading this change.
Less-than-truckload or LTL shipping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. When shipping LTL freight, the shipper pays for the portion of a standard truck trailer their freight occupies, with the rest of the space shared by other companies. This provides many benefits to shippers and carriers, from cost to speed to environmental efficiency.
MyFBAPrep, one of several companies brokering warehouse space and fulfillment services between shippers and 3PLs, has expanded its network from 15 million to 85 million square feet in the past four years to meet demand, increasing coverage in the UK, Germany, Canada and Mexico as well as the U.S. Expansion to Australia is on the company’s roadmap as well.
Geodis, a provider of freight forwarding and logistics, has added drayage at southern and gulf ports with the acquisition of Southern Companies, following its 2022 purchase of Need It Now Delivers. Southern Companies provides drayage, container deconsolidation and consolidation, trucking and warehousing services at ports in Miami, Tampa, the Everglades, Houston, Charleston and Savannah.
Amware Fulfillment, a 3PL focused on direct-to-customer commerce, has been acquired by French logistics provider Staci Group in a marriage that provides customers of both firms with entrance into markets in Europe and the U.S., respectively. The companies will also cross-pollinate their respective technology strengths.
AxleHire, a startup last-mile logistics provider, has partnered with major 3PL and freight forwarder Seko Logistics to enable next-day deliveries directly from Seko facilities, eliminating middle-mile linehauls between hubs, saving time and money for shippers.
With Chinese New Year starting Sunday, and manufacturing and logistics operations virtually shut down there for two weeks, experts say retail inventory levels are in a good place given recent gluts and proactive restocks, but the weeks following will bear watching and might bring issues.
If any sector was ever ripe for consolidation, it’s third-party logistics (3PL), with literally thousands of companies plying their trade, looking to help retail shippers outsource fulfillment, storage, shipping and other operational aspects. Well, 2022 got us at least part of the way there. Here are some of the deals that got done.