Many beginning business owners (and sometimes even experienced ones) make one and the same mistake. They underestimate the importance and complexity of the freight forwarding process. They are sure there is nothing difficult or challenging in getting the needed supplies or delivering orders to their clients on time.
The reasons for logistics chaos may be different. The most common of them include the following:
- Improper time-management.
- Poorly trained staff.
- The enormous demand for your products.
- The use of outdated tools and technologies.
You may be surprised to get to know that there is only one step you can take to deal with all the above-mentioned problems. It’s a good idea to benefit from the use of services provided by the competent and experienced 3PL brokerage.
Third-party logistics is becoming a more and more popular option among entrepreneurs. This service involves various logistics activities – from simple truck forwarding to getting all the needed papers and permissions. The main advantage of 3PL brokerage is that you can receive all services in one place. You do not need to contact carriers, then warehouses, then customer officers, and so on and so force. The experts are ready to do everything for you. You just place an order and define your aims. The specialists pick up the most appropriate solutions in accordance with your requirements, specify the budget, and fulfill an order. As a rule, you may count on fast and reliable delivery of your goods.
There is one important aspect you should keep in mind when choosing your ideal 3PL partner. It’s not a good idea to hire the first company you find on the Net. You risk becoming a victim of online scammers. You have to select firms with good reputations and positive reviews by former clients. Moreover, it’s necessary to pay attention to the following aspects:
- A range of available options.
If you are an owner of an international corporation that is interested in intercontinental transportation, it’s not a good idea to cooperate with local freight forwarders offering only tuck forwarding solutions. The greater part of 3PL firms provides such extra options as labeling, tracking, packaging, etc.
- The coverage area.
You should clearly realize in what states or countries the chosen company works. A good broker is able to find contacts almost in any area. Thus, it’s better to cooperate with firms that have a long history and positive experience.
- Prices.
Actually, it’s the first aspect almost all entrepreneurs pay attention to when looking for logistics solutions for their businesses. It’s not obligatory to choose the cheapest (or vice versa the most expensive) variant. The prices should be reasonable. Thus, you have to research the market to find a winning firm.
To conclude, it should be highlighted that the successful functioning of any business depends on the right choice of reliable and competent 3PL brokers. Experienced professionals are ready to help you to solve problems with supplies which are suddenly out of stock or please the most demanding clients who need their orders here and now.