A&A’s Top 10 Freight Brokerages and the State of the Industry in 2025

Armstrong & Associates’ 2024 ranking of the Top 100 Domestic Transportation Management (DTM) 3PLs/Freight Brokerages underscores the dominance of a handful of large players. The top 10 accounted for tens of billions in managed transportation revenue, with C.H. Robinson retaining the number one spot.

Top 10 3PLs by 2024 Gross DTM Revenue (USD millions):

• C.H. Robinson – 13,043
• J.B. Hunt – 8,007
• Total Quality Logistics (TQL) – 6,819
• Uber Freight – 5,141
• Beon (Transportation Insight & Nolan Transportation Group) – 5,010
• RXO – 4,550
• WWEX Group – 4,380
• Echo Global Logistics – 3,700
• Hub Group – 3,463
• Landstar – (est.) in top tier by scale and profitability

Current Pressures on 3PLs

3PLs are grappling with a mix of structural challenges and cyclical headwinds in 2025:

• Freight Recession Hangover: After two years of weak demand and excess capacity, rates remain soft. Even the largest 3PLs report tighter margins as shippers push for cost savings.
• Tariff and Trade Uncertainty: Shifting tariff policies are creating volatility, forcing logistics providers to constantly recalibrate routing, sourcing, and pricing strategies.
• Technology Integration: Many 3PLs continue to invest heavily in Transportation Management Systems (TMS), AI tools, and visibility platforms, but integration with shippers’ systems remains complex and costly.
• Urban Logistics Challenges: Congestion, stricter emissions rules, and limited delivery zones in metropolitan areas are making last-mile operations more expensive and less predictable.
• Labor and Driver Availability: While demand is subdued, 3PLs must still contend with tightening labor pools, particularly for specialized drivers and warehouse staff.

Areas of Opportunity

Despite the challenges, 2025 also presents avenues for growth:

• Mode Shift to Intermodal: Companies like J.B. Hunt, Hub Group, and CSX-linked operations are benefiting from shippers shifting freight from highway to rail for cost and emissions savings.
• Technology-Driven Efficiencies: AI-enabled load matching, predictive pricing, and real-time visibility tools are reducing manual work and helping 3PLs differentiate in a competitive market.
• E-commerce Returns and Reverse Logistics: While returns create strain, they also generate opportunities for 3PLs with strong warehouse networks and flexible reverse logistics services.
• Consolidation and Partnerships: M&A and strategic alliances remain likely as mid-tier players seek to scale and match the resources of top providers.

Further Outlook

While leaders like C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt, and TQL maintain their dominance, rising competitors such as Uber Freight, RXO, and Beon are investing in technology and scale to challenge them.

In 2025, the success of these providers will continue to hinge on their ability to adapt, leveraging digital tools, maintaining cost discipline, and providing flexibility to shippers navigating an uncertain global trade environment.

Source: A&A