ABI Research’s survey shows how third-party logistics companies are prioritizing condition monitoring, AI-driven planning and automation to remain competitive in the face of increasing customer demands.
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are shifting their investment strategies to focus on information beyond location data. According to a recent study of global supply chain leaders by ABI Research, more than half (51.3%) of 3PL respondents plan to invest over $100,000 IoT solutions for vehicle diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
Ryan Wiggin, principal analyst, said:
“3PL providers are increasingly expected to provide not only transparency but also actionable information about the condition and performance of goods and assets.”
“This is driving a wave of investment in technologies such as digital twins, predictive maintenance and advanced telematics that can provide real-time insights and support proactive decision making.”
Beyond condition monitoring, the report highlights that 32.9% of 3PL providers plan to invest over $250,000 in supply chain and demand planning solutions, signaling a broader shift toward data-driven logistics. Meanwhile, 18.5% of respondents are making similar investments in machine vision technologies, reflecting a growing interest in AI-powered tools for safety, asset tracking and operational efficiency.
These trends underscore the increasing pressure on 3PLs to differentiate themselves in a competitive market by offering smarter, more adaptable services.
“To remain competitive, 3PL providers must go beyond traditional logistics services and leverage modular, scalable automation and advanced IoT solutions,” concluded Wiggin. “By partnering with systems integrators who specialize in flexible deployments and investing in IT and OT cybersecurity, 3PLs can meet increasing customer demands for visibility, compliance and responsiveness.”
