We believe shippers will continue to turn to 3PLs to ensure that their freight can be moved in a tight capacity environment. We've seen a shift in this direction throughout 2014, and we expect it to continue. At the same time, many customers, particularly large shippers, are seeking to consolidate their supply chain relationships and use 3PLs that offer deep capacity and a broad range of services.
Shippers want a supply chain partner that can solve more than just one or two of their transportation needs and pivot quickly when circumstances change. They also want world-class customer service, and they expect cutting-edge technology. Technology is the kingpin of our industry's future; we see it as being truly transformational. At XPO, we have more than 600 IT professionals focused on innovating the logistics process.
Within logistics, several secular themes will continue to define the industry, most notably the conversion from over-the-road to intermodal rail, near-shoring of manufacturing in Mexico, just-in-time lean production, and the growth in e-commerce retailing. Each trend appears to be on a strong trajectory. We've positioned XPO's service offerings to capitalize on these trends.
Bradley Jacobs, CEO, XPO Logistics