If you are a growing business, you will want to know your options. As you grow, you may find you need a little extra help in one area or another. You may find you need third-party logistics, or 3PL, to fill in the gaps and smooth the edges. Making sure you are ahead of the growth, and planning for it, will ensure smooth sailing.
3PL Logistics growing your business can play a huge role in making sure all the ends meet. Outsourcing can mean the difference between a growing company, and one that crumbles under the pressure. A growing business can easily get lost in filling their orders without even realizing they have nowhere to warehouse the goods, no one to assemble them, or even a way to ship them to their customer. Knowing where your pressure points are, and where you may need help, is key.
What is 3PL?
3PL, or TPL for short, is Third-Party Logistics. Its the outsourcing of needed warehouse space, assembly, packaging, and also the shipment of those same goods to a third-party logistics company. A 3PL company can help you grow as you delegate one aspect or another to them, allowing your staff the opportunity to focus on your business. Often a 3PL company will customize and tailor a package that suits your needs at the moment.
Types of Third-Party Logistic providers
We have established that as you grow, you will want to consider soliciting the specialized services of a 3PL provider, but what kind of 3PL provider are you looking for? Understanding the different options will help your business to seek the correct avenues. Some of your options may include transportation, warehousing, distribution, and shipping and receiving. You may find you need some extra hands in all of these areas, or just one or two, however, choosing a 3PL provider you can grow with is helpful.
When should I consider a 3PL provider?
The time to consider a 3PL provider is before you have a problem. Many businesses find themselves in an emergency situation as they begin to outgrow their current logistical state. Staying ahead of your businesses yearly growth can ensure you won’t fall behind or possibly even lose out on sales due to a lack of planning. It is estimated that 86% of Fortune 500 companies use 3PL's in one form or another, and an estimated even higher 96% of Fortune 100 companies use a 3PL provider in operations.
With demands rising, it is better to plan ahead and have a plan of action before problems arise. Maybe you have outgrown your warehouse, and need a little extra space. Or you may have some extra shipments to plan for. You might just need a few more hands on deck to assemble your goods, and package them for shipments.
So, whether you have already reached the point of needing a 3PL provider, or you have goals to reach, we are happy to help you find the best solutions here at American Manufacturing Solutions. We offer a skilled team to help you with all your logistics needs and strive to make the growth of your business as seamless as possible.
