Shippers in the habit of looking for a good price, often overlook the best value. Getting a shipment from A to B is a short-term transaction. Building a 3PL relationship is long-term commitment that leads to greater value. It’s the difference between saving $100 on a shipment or saving 10% on total freight spend.
Before a shipper hands over a book of business to a 3PL, let’s consider what you could expect.
Using data to strategize
An experienced 3PL will begin by reviewing your order history, both those being shipped and those being picked up by your customers. This big-picture info is analyzed and opportunities to streamline and maximize freight capacity are put into an action plan. An overall plan, with achievable timelines built-in, is essential to reducing total freight spend.
Setting clear expectations
Switching to a managed service plan comes with new rules that may affect a customer’s routine schedules. A 3PL can help minimize the pain of change, by working with your customers and informing them ahead of time. Although it may seem contrary, these guidelines actually help increase flexibility.
Responding to changes
A knowledgeable 3PL will be ready to respond to changes when they arise. Make sure your 3PL has an established, reliable network and the capacity to assist you in building a more efficient supply chain. Having trusted carrier relationships helps to ensure your shipments are on time, intact with no surprises.
Analyzing to improve
Technology can help you do more than track and trace. Analyzing data by routes or customers allows for continuous improvement of the entire supply chain. A third-party logistics company that can provide robust reporting can help determine what’s working and make adjustments.
Moving from transaction based to managed service logistics boils down to making a change. The best 3rd party logistics companies will help make it easy to switch.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TRADEMARK CAN HELP YOU LOWER COSTS ACROSS YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN?
CONTACT US. 800-646-2550
Product Protection
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SAFE AND FRESH
Trademark provides an unbroken chain of cold. With a clear understanding of all requirements upfront, real time monitoring and ongoing communication, we ensure your shipments are on time, intact, on budget with no surprises.
