These are the world's largest 3PL service providers

DHL Supply Chian & Global Forwarding is the world's largest logistics service provider. The company posted revenue of $2.6 billion in 2016, ranking it at a lonely height.

In the top 50 compiled by consultancy firm Armstrong & Associates, Germany's Kuehne + Nagel ranks number two with US$2 billion in turnover. Nippon Express occupies a third spot on the list with a turnover of $1.7 billion.

Armstrong & Associates also highlights some trends in the market. For instance, logistics managers can look forward to more 3PL consolidation. Mergers and acquisitions seem to be the main tool to join the global top, as organic growth is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the agency argues that 3PLs must constantly respond to new technologies and trends. Take omni-channel fulfilment and disruptive technologies such as Internet of Things, drones, robotics and autonomous vehicles, for example. "The imperative 'adapt or die' still applies and will continue to apply in the future. 3PLs will have to constantly evolve to meet the demands of shippers." However, according to Evan Armstong, president of the eponymous company, logistics providers are uniquely capable of embracing change.

The top 20 of the 'Top 50 Global 3PLs':

Rank	Logistics service provider	Revenue (2016) in $ bn
1	DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding	2,6
2	Kuehne + Nagel	2,0
3	Nippon Express	1,7
4	DB Schenker	1,7
5	C.H. Robinson	1,3
6	DSV	1,0
7	XPO Logistics	0,9
8	Sinotrans	0,7
9	Geodis	0,68
10	UPS Supply Chain Solutions	0,68
11	CEVA Logistics	0,66
12	DACHSER	0,63
13	Hitachi Transport System	0,62
14	J.B. Hunt	0,62
15	Expeditors	0,61
16	Toll Group	0,58
17	Panalpina	0,53
18	GEFCO	0,48
19	Bolloré Logistics	0,47
20	Kintetsu World Express	0,44