What is a 3PL Provider?

When managing your supply chain and logistics for your goods, utilizing a 3PL provider is a great way to increase efficiency and a great cost-effective option for your over the road transportation management. 3PL is a third-party logistics provider. It was used for just transportation and warehousing services but 3PL has evolved into a much more comprehensive service provider. 3PL providers are here to offer expertise and to utilize best practices that work with your existing supply chain. 3PL providers specialize in a variety of logistical areas.

3PL services are a great way to increase the efficiency of your logistics. 3PL providers offer a level of expertise that can be used to improve your supply chain giving you the opportunity to improve other aspects that make up your supply chain management. The 3PL services that are implemented early in your logistics process can help you save money and give you peace of mind thanks to their experience and reliable services.

How to choose a 3PL Provider

When choosing a 3PL provider, there are many factors you have to take into account to ensure you are selecting a reliable partner and one that is capable of handling your needs. Like many of the steps involved in your logistics process, you will have to determine if your business needs one or multiple 3PL providers. Depending on the size of your operation, you may need multiple providers. However, if you come across a reliable 3PL that can handle all of your needs then you have found an ideal provider.

When planning for the future of your business, you have sets of short term and long term goals. With these goals comes planning for that growth and expansion. What you want from your 3PL provider is for them to be able to efficiently handle your business’s growth moving forward and for them to be able to adapt to your evolving needs. Partnering with a 3PL provider that shares your values and is experienced with providing for growing companies, can prove to be beneficial for both parties.

Researching your next 3PL providers can give you great insights into how they operate. You want a provider that can handle your demands consistently and efficiently. Checking on the providers’ accomplishments and their day to day activities can let you know if they are stable, effective, and provides high-quality services. Also, look into how their current clients are performing and what they have to say about the 3PL providers you are considering.

Benefits of a 3PL Provider

There are a variety of benefits that come with partnering up with a 3PL provider. One of the most important benefits a 3PL provider brings to the table is in-depth knowledge of the logistics process which they can apply to your process. Another advantage of partnering with a 3PL provider is its existing network of vehicles and fleet services. Through established relationships with other carriers, an understanding of how to optimize your routes, and an established fleet, partnering with a 3PL provider can alleviate many stressors and allow you to focus on growing your business.

Why Use FreightCost?

At FreightCost, our team has over 40 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, 3PL services, and more. We have the knowledge and understanding needed to identify areas of improvement in your supply chain and to develop custom solutions that will boost efficiency and save your business money. We use the latest technology to optimize steps in your supply chain. When you partner with FreightCost, you will get a team of industry professionals that know what it takes to improve your supply chain model and can approach your needs from a big picture perspective, and a day to day perspective.

To learn more about how FreightCost can improve your supply chain management and optimize your logistics process, call (888) FRT-COST today.