We’re talented, good-looking, intelligent, well-presented, make a mean cup of tea…
OK, so they’re probably not the reasons you were hoping to find, so let’s go back a step and look at why outsourcing logistics to a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) is such a good idea.
As you can see from the title of this article, we’ve come up with seven excellent reasons why you should be seeking the assistance of a 3PL.
Why should you be outsourcing your logistics needs?
1. Reduced capital outlay and operating costs
The last thing you need to do is invest in expensive vehicles, warehousing, personnel, and technology. What happens when your systems are superseded, vehicles wear out, and your warehousing is no longer big enough?
By outsourcing logistics, you reduce your daily running costs, remove transport costs, and potentially streamline your workforce. All of that adds up to quite a saving.
2. New skills on tap
If you’re worried that you’ll be losing valuable skills by reducing your workforce, fear not. By outsourcing, you gain access to skilled staff who have worked in all sorts of supply chains bringing with them a higher skill-set level.
3. Freedom to focus on day-to-day operations
Rather than trying to do everything in-house, outsource means you gain access to a company with in-depth expertise and experience in carrying out logistics operations. Without that to worry about, it leaves you and your team free to focus on other critical operations.
4. Less paperwork
The majority of 3PL outsourcing companies have enough staff and the latest systems already in place to deal with your business’s needs. They can process thousands of items and audit them appropriately within a short time.
5. Better customer service
You don’t have a business without customers, which is why they should always be at the top of your list. Logistics providers are specialists. They know the industry better than anyone and can develop new ideas that can help you deliver a better experience to your customers.
6. Scalability and flexibility
Third-party suppliers have all the tools and technologies needed for the successful management of supply chains, which means they are in a great position to adapt to changing market conditions. That means they can quickly ramp up or ramp down services in line with fluctuating customer demands.
7. Real-time tracking
We’ve already talked about the technology available to 3PL’s. Well, they also can allow for real-time tracking, so you can spend less time worrying about your shipments.
Three bonus reasons to use a 3PL
That is quite a comprehensive list of excellent reasons why it would be good for your business to outsource logistics to a 3PL.
Of course, we understand that this is a big step to take, especially if you’ve been doing everything in-house for a while. As we’ve already mentioned, partnering with a trusted and reliable logistics provider will help you leverage the power of the latest technology, boost your customer service levels, and help cut costs.
Over and above that, it also means you:
- Gain a proven warehouse management system that ensures the safety of your goods
- Remain in control
- Enjoy easy outsourcing operations with all your paperwork taken care of
Isn’t it time you took another look at your business to see if you could benefit from outsourcing logistics and working with a 3PL?
Smart Directions has the know-how and technological smarts to streamline your business as your 3PL. Call the team on 01442 507 240 now.