Choosing the Right 3PL for Your Business in 2019

You are in the market for a 3PL partner so they can organize a shipment (or shipments) right? Or you are looking for someone to provide storage and product fulfillment? Perhaps, even a combination of both services? With that being stated you’d think they are all good at if they are in this industry, right? Well, not all 3PL’s are created equal.

The right solutions provider will make sure your goods go to the right location in the right time frame and do this at a cost that is effective for your budget. Having a 3PL with access to a multitude of carriers creates more options for you in terms of price, reliability, and geographical coverage. The larger their network is, the better they can assist your growth. 3PL’s with a long-standing history in the industry will have partnered with the most reliable carriers in the industry today and thus create a more flexible business model for your products.

Effective warehouse solutions will offer their clients high efficiency storage and fulfillment distribution capabilities that center around your customers requirements. Whether you are a Fortune 100 company or an enterprising small business, a full-service partner can offer warehousing options that can optimize your supply chain.

A strong 3PL partner understands your needs and tailors their services to meet your requirements. Experienced 3PL’s understand that not every shipment is the same and a one-price-fits-all concept simply does not work. Overall, one-price-fits-all models should be avoided at all costs, they won’t be as effective or cost friendly. Your 3PL should have the flexibility to adjust at a moment’s notice should something arise that interferes with your business. With the right 3PL, as your business grows, your 3PL provider can adapt to your expansion and grow with you. 

Communication is the key to success in any industry, but more so for the transportation industry where everything is constant motion. A 3PL will create a strong relationship with you if they want to succeed. Having a clear understanding of each other’s needs and goals is important. Communication also involves the use of clearly defined metrics that you (as the customer), can view in a simple and easy to read format. Metrics will help you to understand how your operations are doing, and what you can do (or your 3PL can do) to make improvements. Your 3PL will be able to communicate with you whenever something arises, whether it’s good or bad, in a fast and responsive manner.

When you partner with a 3PL, you are entrusting them with your brand. As such it is important to find a company with a long-standing history of proven success. Companies that are financially stable, continue to grow their business, invest in technology, expand warehouse capabilities and partner with other firms to enhance their service offering bring a major stability factor that can carry your business year over year. Stability is critical component for a solid foundation and long-term partnership.

To understand more about 3PL providers, their capabilities, and advantages contact JBS Logistics & Warehousing today!

Media Contact:

Micalina Grove

Marketing Manager, JBS Logistics & Warehousing

(630) 672-7601