Third party logistics providers (3PLs) engage themselves in various aspects of your shipping and distribution needs. They manage the day-to-day aspects of your logistics so that you can focus on growing your business and acquiring new customers.

Because 3PLs handle such an important aspect of your business, making the decision to outsource your shipping and fulfillment takes a lot of consideration. When you partner with a 3PL, you are making an investment that should yield a great return. In order to make sure you are getting the most out of your 3PL partnership, make sure you take the following steps towards success.

Be open and honest about your goals
A good 3PL knows what it generally takes to implement a successful logistics strategy, but not every company has the same end goals. While there is a general strategy that works for a lot of companies, the best way to get the most out of your partnership is to be open and honest about your expectations, goals and specific needs.

Do you need to secure a network of carriers? Do you need warehousing and fulfillment? Are you looking for better opportunities to leverage logistics data? Keep in mind what you want to accomplish and your 3PL can help you develop a plan of action that fits your company’s needs.

Make sure they can handle all of your needs
Once you know exactly what you want to accomplish, find a 3PL partner who can adequately handle all of your logistics needs. A flexible 3PL will offer many services that include:

• Secure warehouse spaces that operate 24×7
• Coast to coast shipping
• A large fleet of reliable carriers
• Extensive reporting
• Logistics management software
• A stellar reputation within the industry

Evaluate your 3PL’s performance regularly
Is your 3PL partner keeping up with your agreed key performance indicators (KPIs)? In order to ensure the success of your partnership, you need to hold your 3PL accountable for their performance.

If you aren’t getting the results that you want, it’s time to either adjust your logistics strategy or consider finding a partner who can better meet your needs.

What a 3PL like King Solutions can offer you
At King Solutions, we specialize in all aspects of shipping and fulfillment. We help our clients better serve their customers by offering full-scale warehousing and shipping services that are reliable, fast and secure. From white glove treatment to high volume orders, we can take care of all your warehouse and distribution needs. Contact our team today to talk about what we can do for your business.