The State
of 4PL 2027

Our new report explains why the next generation of 4PL will be open defined by AI enabled orchestration layers and not just closed suites. Get a clear view of where the market is heading and what to demand from your provider.
Get the Report
4PL-LP-Hero-square-2
4PL-LP-Intro-1200x628

The Case for the Open 4PL

North American supply chains have become too fragmented,
 too technology intensive and too volatile to manage through disconnected providers and closed platforms.



The solution is the Open 4PL: AI enabled layers of orchestration that connect data, technology, physical execution, digital services and human judgment, allowing shippers to choose the best available capability for their network.



The test is simple: a provider that only orchestrates its own products is not an orchestrator. It is a suite.

Download the Report

The 4PL Market in Numbers

42%

of supply chain leaders
already outsource to a 4PL

35%

more plan to outsource
to a 4PL within two years

104B

projected 4PL market
value by 2030

Seven Capabilities, One Commitment

An Open Ecosystem,Chosen Deliberately

The provider adapts to your environment, not the other way around. That means API, EDI and event based connectivity to the systems you already run, trading forced rip and replace for full technical portability.

4PL-LP-Capabilities-1
"Open ecosystems, deep integrations and orchestration aren’t nice-to-haves anymore. They’re becoming table stakes.”

Eric Rempel • Chief Innovation Officer, Redwood Logistics
Comparison of the 4PL and 3PL models across five dimensions
4PL ModelOrchestrates the whole network 3PL ModelExecutes a defined function
Scope Designs, builds and runs coordination across many providers and systems, including 3PL capability Runs a defined function or mode: transportation, warehousing, forwarding, customs or fulfillment
Neutrality Recommends and manages capabilities whoever owns them, even ones that compete with its own Operates its own network, so owned capacity shapes its recommendations
Technology Deploys an integration layer and control tower across shipper and provider systems, on normalized data Deploys TMS and WMS tactically to run its own operation, with limited customization
Accountability Shares written decision rights with a single point of accountability, backed by SLAs and scorecards Leaves full decision-making with the shipper, with one contact point per service and shorter terms
Improvement Runs improvement as a standing engineering function, so redesign is continuous rather than annual Improves only inside its own operation, often at bid or review points

Get “The State of 4PL 2027"

Discover the seven capabilities that define an open 4PL, and see where your network sits on the orchestration maturity curve.

©2026 Redwood Logistics. Privacy policy Terms & Conditions