Running a business is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. However, between processing billing paperwork and managing inventory, it can also be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, if you want to make your daily life a little less taxing, you can enlist the services of an experienced 3PL provider.
What is a 3PL Provider?
3PL (or third-party logistics) providers specialize in helping small, medium, and large companies warehouse, package, and ship their inventory in a seamless and efficient manner. A short sampling of some of the services offered by these organizations would include:
• Storage
• Freight forwarding
• Freight bill auditing
• Customs clearance
• Picking and packing
• Inventory forecasting
• Inbound transportation
• Outbound transportation
In short, 3PL providers allow you to move your operational logistics from your main office or headquarters to a dedicated warehouse that is staffed by a team of highly-trained industry professionals.
3PL Providers - How They Can Make Running Your Business Less Challenging
Given the sheer number of services that 3PL providers offer, it is no surprise that so many entrepreneurs find that they can make running a successful company less trying. But how exactly do they achieve that result?
Well, first and foremost, when a business enlists the services of a third-party logistics provider, its owner and management team can take a lot of their daily activities off of their collective plate. Once a partnership has been struck, these people can spend must less time worrying about shipment tracking, appointment scheduling, order billing, and performance reporting. As a result, they can reduce the number of hours they spend at the office each week without seeing a reduction in profitability.
Of course, the benefits of working with a 3PL provider don't stop there. These organizations can also decrease the amount of time that small and large businesses alike spend managing their human resources.
When companies handle their shipping, receiving, and warehousing in-house, they must hire new employees on a regular basis. Doing so often means taking hours out of someone's already-busy schedule to write ads and conduct interviews. When businesses work with a trusted 3PL provider, they no longer need to worry about this aspect of recruitment.
Companies who keep their logistics in-house must also spend time ensuring that their employees report to work on time every day. If one of their workers is late, it can throw their entire schedule out of whack. Should that employee fail to show up at all, the business may have to rush to find someone to cover their shift. If they were to hire an experienced third-party logistics company, they would not need to deal with either of these problems.
So, now that you understand a little more about how working with a 3PL provider can make your daily life a lot less stressful, you may be wondering where to find one that can fulfill your company's needs. Fortunately, you won't have to look very far. The team here at American Manufacturing Solutions has been helping small and large businesses with their logistics for years and is ready to do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
