A 3PL is a logistics service that involves handling goods for other parties. These services can take many forms, from small consignment operations to large-scale fulfillment houses. Whether you are a small business looking to streamline your supply chain or a global company that wants to reduce its reliance on one partner, 3PLs can help. To learn more about order fulfillment, visit Red Stag. If you can’t choose the right 3PL partner, sticking with them long-term becomes impossible. Here are some things to look out for to select the best 3PL for your operations:
Right Skills
3PL companies have different skill sets and abilities to operate in their industry successfully. If a logistics company can handle only one product type, then their expertise would be limited, and they would lack the skills needed to operate on a larger scale. Make sure to partner with a company that offers diversity.
Experience in the Field
If a 3PL has been in business for less than a year, it’s better to avoid them. The longer a company has been in operation, the more its track record will be reflected in its customer service and quality of work. A successful 3PL company will have the right vendors and excellent transportation companies on its panel to satisfy the clients.
Management Software
This is a crucial question to ask if you want the perfect 3PL partner. Although most 3PL companies use management software, they might not have fully automated their systems. As a result, errors in inventory management might occur. If the company is using the latest inventory and transport management software, it indicates their good quality services.
Exposure Limits
Most 3PLs have some exposure limit on the number of goods they can handle. This helps them to ensure quality inventory management. This limit can be helpful when you have small or mid-sized businesses as they will not run out of stock and will service your clients excellently. However, larger companies should look at 3PL providers who offer a wide range of support for various product types.
Suppliers and Partners
After you have selected the right 3PL, it is time to get to know your suppliers and partners. This is to make sure you have the right people on the team. If you do not get to know your suppliers and partners, you will not be fully aware of who you need to contact in case of an emergency or when a problem appears. Moreover, knowing about them will help you get reasonable product prices and the best shipping routes and costs.
When looking for a 3PL partner, your company size and product type are the main deciding factors. The discussion above follows afterward. There are hundreds of 3PL providers, but not all will satisfy your requirements. There are other factors to consider, but the ones mentioned above are the key ones. They will help you choose the right 3PL partner for your business.Â