Have you recently grown warranting the need for more logistics options? Then you need a third-party logistics provider.
But what exactly is a 3PL (third-party logistics provider)?
A 3PL is an experienced company that can support all aspects of your warehouse and distribution needs..a partner that picks, pack and ships your products
Look for a 3PL that can scale and customize their services to best meet your specific needs. Look for a 3PL that can provide a single service for your supply chain or deliver a bundle of services that extend across multiple aspects of your supply chain.
3PLs can offer expertise, streamline supply chains, and save you time and money. Trusting 3PL experts with your shipping logistics enhances your business functions and increases your value to customers.
The bottom line? Your supply chain strategy meets unique demands with a trusted 3PL.
Start a conversation with The Service Center.
Warehouse and Distribution
Look for a vendor that can..
Outbound Logistics
Your 3PL should drive efficiences and develop solutions for complex supply chain challenges, while keeping your transportation cost low.
Information Technology
The right 3PL should use information technology to manage ecommerce, customer relationships, transportation, and warehouse operations. Make sure your vendor is using processes that include electronic data interchange (EDI), application programming interface (API), and cloud-based systems to provide increased visibility to supply chain processes as well as shipments in transit.
Start a conversation with The Service Center.
Advantages to working with a third-party logistics provider:
Save time and money
Eliminate the need to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation, and employees, allowing for more focus on your core competencies.
3PLs proactively alert you of supply chain mistakes that could be costly and risky.
Gain expertise and insight
Supply chain logistics can be complex: Fulfillment, warehousing, and shipping all come with major challenges. 3PL vendors are experts and can impart clients with their experience and connections to quickly streamline processes.
3PLs can give insight into issues that can come up when shipping internationally. Such issues include documentation, customs, duties, and differing shipping regulations. Working with a third- party logistics organization can relieve the stress of complying with international shipping protocols.
Scale operations and be more flexible
When a company uses a 3PL, they are able to scale space, labor, and transportation according to current inventory. 3PLs are often able to ease the transition between seasonal periods and industry fluctuation.
Let a 3PL aids growth in new regions. Always looking for ways to improve aspects of supply chains 3 PLs have the tools and technologies necessary to make adjustments. Engaging 3PL services likely results in continuous improvements being made to your logistics process.
Start a conversation with The Service Center.
Choosing the correct 3PL for your business is essential. When you work with a 3PL, you are adding an extension to your business.
Here are some considerations when making a 3PL decision:
Technology
Look at the technologies and ecommerce your business uses and pick a 3PL that is compatible with them; Be sure that your chosen 3PL can work as seamlessly as possible with your current business operations.
Available Platform and Retailer Integrations include but not limited to:
Business volumes
Evaluate your organization's inventory and volumes. Choose a 3PL that can handle your current operations and scale accordingly.
References and past performance
Review references from the 3PL's current customers to get a real sense of what it's like to work with them. Pay attention to their operational metrics which can point out their strengths and depth of training procedures. Do they have a quality improvement system that feeds their continuing process improvement philosophy and how they communicate with their clients. It is a good sign when 3PLs have long-standing relationships with their clients; it means they build positive, productive connections.
Consider how The Service Center can be your 3PL of choice. Start a conversation NOW.
