ransportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the largest association representing third-party logistics (3PLs) companies, has released its First Quarter 2020 TIA 3PL Market Report and this quarter report paints a picture of a market sliding towards recession, a conventional recession, we thought - probably a mild recession, reports TIA Chief Economist, Noël Perry. One disappointment is the drop in margin percent, something that has not happened on the approach to recession before.

The report represents more than 1.3 million shipments and over $2.6 billion in total revenue for Q1 2020:

TIA’s 3PL Market Report contains rolling eight-quarter trends and fuel price comparisons, allowing 3PLs and industry observers to view how the industry is performing as well as to compare their business to companies of a similar size. Additionally, the report includes detailed 3PL activities by transportation mode and measures comparative volume, revenue, margin, and margin percentages, quarterly, and year over year.

The publication is based on monthly data submissions and surveys of TIA Members who provide current operating data and answer questions on business conditions affecting the 3PL industry. TIA’s efforts provide a comprehensive report on the trends and practices of the 3PL industry.