Let’s say that you recently started a business because you had an innovative idea. Your great idea is a massive success, and before you know it, you have a healthy customer base and a steady flow of orders coming in. Your success is exactly what many business owners dream of, but as the demand for your product continues to grow, you might find that staying organized and consistent becoming a bit of a challenge.
As the number of orders will increase, you will discover that it is difficult to stay on top of organizing shipments, fulfilling client expectations and managing the logistics of inventory. In fact, the pressure of juggling these aspects of your booming company is overwhelming.
These feelings are completely normal. It can take months, or even years to master an understanding of supply-chain management, and it can be stressful when you’re facing a steep learning curve.
The good news? A 3PL service can helpsmooth things out.
3PL providers have all of the expertise required to evaluate your company’s management needs and create an efficient and effective system that serves both your business and your customers. With the help of a 3PL service, you can get your business back on track, and spend more time focusing on the aspects of your company that are more necessary for your business.
This article should help answer some of the basic questions you might have if you’re considering hiring a 3PL service to assist your business.
What Kind of Service Does a 3PL Provider Offer?
A 3PL service (which stands for third-party logistics) handles the various aspects of supply chain management. In other words, 3PLs handle the logistics of transportation, shipping, and handling, warehousing, and inventory.
When you first reach out to a 3PL provider, they will evaluate the rate at which orders are being placed, determine if your inventory storage and organization is adequate and assess your methods for packing shipping. They will implement methods that will help you keep track of all your orders and avoid misplacing shipments. As your company continues to grow, a 3PLservice will help you adapt to accommodate increased demand and expansion.
Unlike a 4PL, which adds another level of detachment between your company and its supply chain management, a 3PL provider works closely with you and your company to get an intimate understanding of the services you want to provide your customers.
How Do I Pick a 3PLService Provider?
There are quite a few things you’ll want to consider when picking a 3PL provider but in this crash course guide,
We’ll focus on two of the most important points:
- Determining where the 3PL fulfillment centers are located
- Evaluating the type of technology the 3PL uses to conduct business.
A 3PL service provider is going to be serving your customer base, so you have to be sure that the fulfillment centers are located in areas that are close proximity to your clients. This ensures quick delivery and faster customer satisfaction.
Similarly, you’ll want to be sure that the technology that your 3PL provider uses to stay organized and manage your supply chain is complementary to your business practices. A 3PL service is there to support your business and improve operations, so the more compatible their technology is better.
What are the Benefits of Working with a 3PL Provider?
The ultimate benefit of working with a 3PL provider is that they improve the efficiency of the various aspects of the supply chain that support your company. From streamlining shipping and delivery to remodeling inventory practices, a 3PL service can help companies to stay competitive in today’s market, where customers expect speedy service with minimal hassle.
However, there are additional benefits. Working with a 3PL service can save your time and free up resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. 3PL providers have a vast knowledge when it comes to supplying chain management, so working with such a provider allows your company to expand its reach and grow your company’s network.
Leave the logistics to us. Consider hiring East Coast Transport as your 3PL provider so that you can spend more time brainstorming ways to evolve and grow your company.