7 Benefits of 3PL You Can’t Afford to Ignore

As your company grows, you’re always on the lookout for ways to streamline your operations, make processes more efficient, and increase your bottom line – but if you’re like many business owners, you think that third-party logistics, or 3PL, is for “bigger” companies.

But you may be missing out on seven huge benefits that only 3PL can provide. (And yes, 3PL is for small- and mid-sized companies, too!)

7 Benefits of 3PL Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore

Check out this list of 3PL benefits you can’t afford to ignore:

1. Market expansion
2. Time savings
3. Money savings
4. Scalability
5. Continuous optimization and improvement
6. Access to technology
7. Reduced risk

1. Market Expansion

One of the biggest benefits of working with a third-party logistics provider is that you can position your company in markets you’ve never worked in before. You’ll have access to a broader range of regions without sacrificing customer service, which gives your company the reach it needs.

2. Time Savings

You don’t have time to implement new logistics strategies – you’re busy enough running (and growing) your business. The benefits of 3PL can help you eliminate time-consuming paperwork (like billing and audits) and large-scale implementation of supply-chain management technology.

3. Money Savings

Because you don’t have to invest in more warehousing space, hire additional workers or buy trucks to ship your goods, working with a 3PL makes financial sense. You’ll be able to grow your business with smaller financial investments than you would if you took on supply-chain management yourself.

4. Scalability

A lot of factors go into how your business runs. Sometimes you need more space; sometimes you need less. You ship different goods at different times of the year, and the quantity most likely varies.

If you’re sitting on empty warehouse space or paying for trucks that aren’t running, you’re losing – but one of the benefits of 3PL is that working with another provider makes your business scalable as necessary. Your 3PL can provide you with the space and resources you need, whether business is slow or picking up steam.

5. Continuous Optimization & Improvement

Business owners need the freedom to do what they’re good at – but often, supply-chain management throws a wrench in the mix. That’s because you, as a business owner, excel at creating supplies and goods that people want to buy… but you don’t have time to micromanage the processes that bring those supplies and goods to your customers. Working with a 3PL means you don’t have to worry about minor details that keep your customers happy.

6. Access to Technology

A company that only does logistics has better access to technology that ships your goods faster – and more safely – to your customers. Even better, the 3PL is responsible for the associated costs. A good 3PL will manage real-time order tracking, load consolidation, data analysis and reporting, and even freight audit solutions so you’re free to focus on growing your customer base.

7. Reduced Risk

When you work with a 3PL, you’re assuming less risk than you would if you took a DIY approach. In addition to managing workers, your 3PL will manage the actual shipping and tackle any issues that come up.

Do the Benefits of 3PL Make It Right for Your Company?

3PL benefits small, mid-sized and large companies. The bottom line is that growth brings new – and bigger – responsibilities. Outsourcing those responsibilities, just as you would in other areas of your business, is usually the best choice.