What Is a 3PL?
A 3PL company offers outsourced logistics services to businesses as an intermediary between shippers and carriers.
What Is a 3PL? Defined
3PL services typically encompass various logistical functions, including transportation, warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding, and inventory management. By outsourcing these tasks to a 3PL, businesses can streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies.
FreightCenter is a 3PL provider specializing in managing logistics operations for businesses of all sizes. We leverage our expertise and industry connections to optimize shipping processes and provide efficient solutions for our customer’s logistical needs.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter?
Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
What FreightCenter Does As a 3PL
FreightCenter serves as a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive logistics solutions. As a 3PL, our primary goal is to simplify the complexities of shipping and supply chain management for our customers. Here’s how we achieve that:
- Freight Booking: We facilitate the booking process for our customers, offering access to a vast network of carriers and transportation options. Whether LTL (Less Than Truckload), FTL (Full Truckload), air freight, ocean freight, or expedited shipping, we help our customers find the best shipping solution.
- Freight Tracking: We provide advanced tracking capabilities, allowing our customers to monitor their real-time shipments. Our online platform enables easy access to shipment status updates, delivery notifications, and proof of delivery, ensuring transparency and peace of mind throughout shipping.
- Documentation Management: We handle the paperwork and documentation associated with shipping, including bills of lading, customs forms, and certificates of origin. By managing these administrative tasks, we help streamline the shipping process and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Carrier Management: We work closely with a network of reputable carriers, negotiating competitive rates and ensuring reliable customer service. Our extensive carrier relationships allow us to offer flexible shipping options and responsive customer support, ensuring that our customers’ freight is in good hands from pickup to delivery.
- Customer Support: We provide dedicated customer support to assist customers with any questions or issues related to their shipments. Our team of logistics experts is available to provide guidance, resolve issues, and offer personalized solutions to meet our customers’ unique shipping needs.
Our Approach To Managing Freight
At FreightCenter, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to managing freight as a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Our approach is centered around efficiency, reliability, and transparency, focusing on delivering exceptional customer service. Here’s how we manage freight:
- Non-Asset-Based Model: Unlike traditional freight companies that own and operate their assets, such as trucks and warehouses, FreightCenter operates as a non-asset-based 3PL. We do not own or directly manage physical transportation or storage assets. Instead, we leverage our extensive network of carriers and logistics partners to fulfill our customers’ shipping needs.
- Facilitation and Coordination: Our role as a 3PL is to facilitate and coordinate the freight shipping process on behalf of our customers. From booking shipments to tracking deliveries, we handle all aspects of logistics management, acting as a single point of contact for our customers throughout the shipping journey.
- No Direct Contact with Freight: One key aspect of our approach is that we never physically handle or come into direct contact with our customers’ freight. Instead, we manage and oversee the logistics process from start to finish, coordinating with carriers and other logistics partners to ensure that shipments are picked up, transported, and delivered safely and efficiently.
- Emphasis on Customer Service: Customer service is at the heart of everything FreightCenter does. Our team of logistics experts is dedicated to providing personalized support and assistance to our customers, helping them navigate the complexities of shipping and logistics. Whether answering questions, resolving issues, or giving guidance, we are committed to ensuring our customers have a positive and stress-free shipping experience.
- Focus on Efficiency and Transparency: We prioritize efficiency and transparency in all operations. Our online platform provides customers easy access to quotes, booking tools, and shipment tracking information, allowing them to manage their shipments conveniently and confidently. Additionally, we strive to provide clear and transparent communication throughout the shipping process, keeping customers informed every step of the way.
Need a quote for your next shipment? Click here!
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can a 3PL save me money?
By leveraging their carrier networks, expertise, and technology, 3PLs can negotiate better shipping rates, optimize supply chains, reduce overhead costs, and enhance efficiency.
Q. Is hiring a 3PL provider cost-effective for small businesses?
Yes, 3PLs can help small businesses save money by providing scalable solutions, reducing the need for in-house logistics staff, and offering access to discounted shipping rates.
Q. Can a 3PL integrate with my existing systems?
Many 3PLs offer integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, e-commerce platforms, and warehouse management systems (WMS) to streamline operations.
Q. What happens if I outgrow my 3PL?
Many 3PLs offer scalable services that grow with your business. If your needs surpass their capabilities, it may be time to reassess and consider other providers.
Q. What are the benefits of using a 3PL?
Benefits include cost savings, scalability, access to expertise, improved supply chain visibility, and reduced time spent on logistics management.
Three Benefits of Working With FreightCenter
Amazing Customer Care
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
25 Years in the Business
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your small business for the intricate world of logistics.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer you tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs, no matter what kind of small business you are.
