Green initiatives may be helping shipping and logistics companies achieve internal goals, but it isn't useful in attracting or retaining business, according to a recent survey.
The "2008 3PL Provider CEO Perspective" found third-party logistics providers serving the North American, European and the Asia-Pacific markets expect environmental issues to take on increasing importance during the next three years.
Though green credentials don't make much difference in landing new business, respondents expect the industry to pursue eco-friendly practices because of impending regulations and the future 3PL selection process.
Not surprisingly, it is the economy is casting a long shadow over the industry. The CEOs in the survey project lower revenues and a reverse globalization trend in the face of the slumping economy and high gas prices.
"Despite rising prices at the pump and a stagnating economy, these numbers indicate that global 3PL efforts to reduce costs, optimize networks through technological advances, and intensify the focus on customer selectivity are working -- we will definitely see a continued focus in these areas well into 2009," Robert Lieb, report co-author and supply chain management professor at Northeastern University, said in a statement.
The survey of 39 CEOs was sponsored by Penske Logistics. |
