When you’re running a small- to medium-sized business (SMB), you know how important it is to maximize your time and money. If you’re looking to grow your small business and expand your reach across the United States, you need to keep your costs low. You may find yourself spending hours searching for the lowest possible price on a variety of items, such as materials, equipment, and shipping solutions.
Unfortunately, SMBs don’t move enough inventory to make managing their own logistics operation cost-efficient. That means the time spent searching for lower rates is often wasted because the results only produce minimally cheaper options. However, you aren’t out of options.
When you partner with a 3PL, your business will go farther at a faster rate. So how can you improve shipping efficiency by partnering with a 3PL?
Benefits of Improving Your Shipping With a 3PL
SMBs are in a playing field all on their own. It may seem like a losing game, but partnering with a 3PL gives you more options on how to conduct shipments. You’ll find plenty of benefits once you work with a 3PL, such as:
– Efficiency and Cost-Saving
– Flexibility and Scalability
– Resources and Expertise
– Focus on Company Initiatives
Efficiency and Cost-Saving
Rather than spending hours navigating the world of freight shipping to find the right carrier, route, and rate for your business, a 3PL brings everything together. Most 3PLs use a powerful transportation management system (TMS) that pulls various carriers and routes together to help you find the best rate among them. A TMS also allows for a full overview of the shipment, from tracking and updates along the way to all your paperwork being in one place. It speeds up a rather long process you might encounter when doing it yourself.
You’ll find that you’re spending less money when using a 3PL. You’ll have access to lower prices on carriers and less expensive services. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping allows you to only pay for a given space on a truck, rather than paying for a whole truck where most of the space wouldn’t be utilized.
Flexibility and Scalability
As your business grows, you may find that you need to change your shipping strategy. 3PLs are more than equipped to handle your changing needs. You’ll have the flexibility to change the frequency of your shipments without any hassle. They grow with you, ensuring that you get the same level of attention and care that you had when you first partnered.
Resources and Expertise
Partnering with a 3PL opens up a world of resources. You’ll have all the information at your fingertips through a TMS; no more having to search for the right information. You’ll find every carrier that meets your needs, every route that gets your shipment to its destination quickly, and specialized expertise.
At FreightCenter, our expert agents are equipped to answer any questions you may have. You’ll be guided through the process and they’ll stay with you the whole time, from getting a quote to after delivery.
Allows You Time to Focus on Your Business
The biggest advantage you’ll gain by using a 3PL is that by not having to focus on finding a carrier and getting shipments out, you can focus on your business. You’ll have more freedom to plan strategic initiatives to drive your business up.
Customer satisfaction will also rise, bettering the public’s view on your business. In a world where people want their shipments the moment they order it, offering full transparency to your customer is vital. A 3PL gives you the necessary tools to make your shipping experience better for everyone, from pickup to drop-off.
FreightCenter is Here to Help
With over 25+ years of freight experience, we’re more than prepared to help. Our TMS keeps everything you’ll need in one place, ensuring you have full visibility of your shipments. We’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, and we’re ready to help you as your business grows.
We’re dedicated to making sure your shipments get to their destinations safely and efficiently. Get a free online quote today or call us at (800) 716-7608.
