5 Essential Services Your Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider Should Offer: A Guide by Stellar Logistix
Tia Amin
It is important to have high expectations for the service provided by your third-party logistics (3PL) provider. However, it may be difficult to determine if you are receiving exceptional service. The primary responsibility of your 3PL representative is to ensure that your supply chain operates efficiently. Nevertheless, inadequate communication and technological tools may prevent them from assisting you in avoiding costly disruptions.
The experts agree that your 3PL representative should simplify transportation instead of making it more complex. To assist you in selecting the best transportation providers for your business, we have identified the top five services that your representative should be providing.
SOLVE PROBLEMS QUICKLY
In logistics, timing is critical to success. The transportation industry relies on various parties adhering to a strict schedule. A reliable logistics provider must be capable of dealing with unexpected challenges. Trucks may malfunction, severe weather conditions may arise unexpectedly, and traffic is often difficult to predict. Your 3PL representative has the experience and knowledge to assist you in managing any disruptions promptly. In the event of a delay or damaged shipment, your representative should not only keep you informed but also offer potential solutions to the problem.
PROVIDE ADVANCED, CUSTOMIZABLE TECHNOLOGY
Your 3PL representative must utilize advanced technology that can effectively manage your most intricate transportation requirements. Ideally, the technology should be developed in-house, rather than purchased off-the-shelf, to allow for customization to your specific needs. This technology should enable your 3PL to evaluate your transportation processes and recognize areas where improvements can be made. It should track your performance based on key performance indicators (KPIs), provide real-time monitoring, and generate precise reports. Above all, this technology should facilitate ongoing enhancements to your supply chain, making it easier for you to manage your business.
MAKE COMMUNICATION A TOP PRIORITY
It’s crucial that you can contact your 3PL at any time, even if it’s outside of normal business hours. Your representative should take the initiative in keeping you informed about tracking updates, load deliveries, and any vital information related to your shipment. A superior 3PL and representative will go above and beyond to provide excellent service. This could entail having after-hours assistance available or being accessible by phone or email. Your representative should be prepared to answer your questions day or night, so that any issues with your supply chain can be resolved promptly.
OFFER SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVES
Each shipment has an optimal mode of transportation, and it may be a pleasant surprise. Your 3PL representative has access to an extensive array of transportation resources. However, offering alternatives involves more than merely providing various modes of transport.
Your 3PL representative from Stellar Logistix should have a comprehensive understanding of your business requirements, including your flexibility regarding pickup and delivery dates, and the availability of your delivery location. Your representative should have knowledge of your preferred carriers and whether they offer extended hours of operation or are open on weekends. With this understanding, they should provide you with an array of cost-effective and reliable transportation options that surpass your expectations. This is all part of their job and should be included in the services provided by your 3PL provider.
DEMONSTRATE EXPERTISE IN THE INDUSTRY
External factors such as state and federal regulations, weather-related disruptions, and driver capacity challenges continually affect the transportation industry. For instance, Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage to infrastructure and terminal closures, impacting entire communities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Therefore, it’s essential that your 3PL representative has extensive knowledge and expertise in the field. Your representative should be able to provide valuable advice on any developments that may impact your business. They should be an industry expert with a broad and in-depth understanding of the transportation industry.
At Stellar Logistix, we utilize our vast carrier network to provide customized transportation solutions to meet your business needs. If you are looking for a 3PL representative who can provide you with the above-mentioned services, please contact a Stellar Logistix representative today at 1-888-257-8355 or [email protected], or request a quote for your shipment.