Heavy-haul trucking plays a major role in the logistics and revenue of businesses and boosts the economy. Hauling oversized shipments requires a special type of care and attention to detail. To haul overweight loads, you need a clear and concise understanding of heavy hauling and the requirements to ship legally.
Here’s what you need to know about heavy-haul trucking.
Heavy-haul trucking is required for any load exceeding the standard legal limit. It takes specialized shipping services to achieve getting oversized hauls to their destination in time. Whether it’s a wide load, oversized freight, or heavy equipment, these loads are often over the maximum weight limit. These limits are typically regulated by state, federal, and local governments.
According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Oversized loads are over the following measurements:
They also limit how much weight can be carried on an axle. These weight limits include the following:
You need to know about all the required permits for legal heavy-haul trucking. Most permits and required documentation are determined on a case-by-case basis. These permits cater to local, state, or county laws.
Depending on the route and the shipment type, you may need additional permit requirements or safety components, including pilot cars, safety flags, or flashing lights.
The toughest part of heavy-haul trucking is ensuring your shipment delivers on time, but we can help with that. We’re a shipping logistics company that’s ready to provide your business with services that will guarantee a safe and hassle-free hauling process that allow you to spend more time on other elements of your company.
Contact us today for more information or inquiries.
If you plan on hiring a third-party logistics company, it can be a great strategic decision for your business. You can focus on your core competencies when outsourcing logistics functions to a company who is experienced in the field. However, choosing the right 3PL provider is an integral part of the process, and if you choose a reliable one, your supply chain management should be successful. So, it would help if you asked some questions before hiring a 3PL company to ensure they are your good fit for your company. We have listed some of these questions down below.
Experience is an integral factor when you are looking for a 3PL provider. You would surely want to work with a company that has worked in the logistics industry long enough to understand different clients and industries. Because of their experience, they should have the right expertise and skills to be able to manage your international cargo shipments efficiently.
In today’s time, technology is crucial for managing logistics operations. So, you should ask the 3PL provider about the technology they rely on to manage their logistics operations, like a transportation management system. If they use the latest technology, they can provide you with real-time visibility and instant online booking and quoting for your shipments.
Your business may have specific needs and requirements. So, you should ask the 3PL company about the services they offer and how they can be tailored according to the requirements of your business. They should offer a wide range of services, like expedited transportation, so you can get complete solutions when you work with them.
You should also ask the 3PL provider about their pricing and contractual models and how they charge for their services. You should check whether the pricing model is transparent and whether it will match your budget. This way, you can be sure that you can limit any issues while working with them or be contractually obligated to work with them for a long time.
If you require a 3PL provider to help you become successful, connect with us at Diversified Transportation Services. We will offer you the best full truck load carrier services and will be highly reliable throughout the process. With us by your side, you can truly reach new heights of success because we will provide you with the experience and expertise you need in this industry.
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If you are looking for a third-party logistics company, it can be of great help as it can help you streamline your supply chain and improve your overall logistics operations. Without the help of a suitable 3PL company, it may cost your company time and money. With that in mind, we have listed a few steps that can help you hire the right 3PL provider.
Before looking for a 3PL freight company in Los Angeles, identify your logistics needs. For instance, you should consider your shipping volumes, the product type you need to ship, the geographical locations, if you need expedited transportation and much more. All this information can help you make the right decision about what kind of service you need from the company. 3PL companies can help you by offering different types of services according to your requirements.
After identifying your logistics needs, you need to research potential 3PL providers. For this, you can check out online websites to find information about how a particular company has helped its clients in the past and how it will benefit you to work with them.
Just researching these companies will not be enough. You also need to spend time evaluating them. For this, you should check out their experience, the services they offer, their reputation, financial stability, technology, capabilities, and much more. All this will help you make a sound decision.
Once you have narrowed down your list of 3PL companies, you should go ahead and ask them questions. You should ask them about different things, such as how they will provide their services, what is their pricing structure, and much more. This can help you compare how different companies will provide you with the services and which one would be suitable for your business according to your specific requirements.
After you have completed the research and evaluation process, you can decide. Choose the 3PL company that can efficiently cater to your needs and requirements and provides you with the best value for money. You can negotiate with them before getting into the agreement and can have an understanding of the services they will provide.
Once you have hired the 3PL company, make sure to monitor their performance from time to time. For this, you can keep track of different metrics such as on-time delivery, billing accuracy, and much more. If there are any issues, make sure to resolve them with their help.
If you plan to improve your full truckload shipping logistics operation, connect with a 3PL company like Diversified Transportation Services. We make sure to provide you true value for money and the most outstanding services that will be of great quality at all times.
Contact us to get more details today!
Third-party logistics companies have played a massive role in transforming the global supply chain industry. They have revolutionized the way goods are transported, warehoused, and delivered all around the world. They have been working for many decades to expand the global trade market and have also worked to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce overall logistics costs.
You can expand your business globally with the help of 3PL companies because they have a global network of transportation and logistics providers. So, you can efficiently take care of sea freight shipping, documentation, international regulations, and everything else with their help. As a result, your company can efficiently penetrate new markets and can get access to thousands of new customers.
Today, third-party logistics companies have helped improve the supply chain's efficiency. They provide various services that help different companies streamline their logistics operations. When you work with a 3PL provider and get help for such tasks, your company can focus better on your core competencies and let the experts take care of the logistics. This will not only help in reducing costs but will also improve speed and accuracy.
3PL companies can contribute to improving your customer service because they can multiple carrier options and proactive customer service. They will take the help of advanced technology systems and will help customers track shipments in real-time. There will be complete transparency which will help you earn the trust of your customers. You can also make the right business decisions when your customers are informed and can take care of your inventory levels.
With the help of 3PL companies, you can surely improve supply chain efficiency because they work in the logistics industry by introducing new technologies and processes. They also take the help of advanced systems for tracking and analyzing data. Your business can also optimize supply chain operations with such help.
3PL companies can also help in reducing logistics costs. They can negotiate better rates with carriers and can also provide LTL, full truckload, flatbed transportation, and international shipping services at lower rates. When your business does this in-house, you may have to spend more money. So, your business would get the opportunity to invest its resources in improving your core competencies.
If you need help from a third-party logistics company, connect with us at Diversified Transportation Services. We can provide you with a wide variety of services, such as international freight shipping, along with the most premium customer support. We take help from the latest logistics technology to provide an unforgettable experience when you work with us.
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Finding it difficult to locate the right carrier for your product shipping?
Most shippers struggle to find the right carrier for domestic and international freight shipping. This can be detrimental to the overall growth of the business.
So, what’s the solution?
You must contact a third-party logistics right away!
To explain briefly, a third-party logistics (3PL) company will act as a common source of information and services between you (the shipper) and the carrier. These companies have the resources and knowledge to find the right carrier for your business.
Here’s how a third-party logistics company can help you maximize your shipping efforts and boost business growth.
Oftentimes companies try to do everything required for the successful shipping of their products and other parts of their business take a back seat.
These businesses could have lost time and money that could have been utilized on production, marketing, and customer relationships.
With a 3PL company by your side, you can leave everything shipping related on them. They can offer you professionally managed transportation services so that you can concentrate on important business functions for growth.
3PL companies offer you access to a large team of professionals who are well-versed in supply chain management, modes of shipping, industry regulations, and more.
Logistics technology can be expensive. Developing your own logistics technology can be even more expensive. As a business, you have limited resources to access high-end logistics technology on your own. But you certainly can’t compromise the shipping of your products.
Third-party international freight forwarders can give your business access to such high-end logistics technology and online booking platforms. Several 3PL companies have already developed their own transportation management technology and software to help their shippers streamline their product shipping.
When you are searching for a carrier on your own, you can experience several roadblocks. For example, it can be difficult to negotiate carrier prices effectively due to your lack of shipment volume. Or you might not get enough capacity during a market rush.
Associating with 3PL logistics can help you eliminate such roadblocks and get more leverage to tip the scale in your favor. Most 3PL companies have the collective buying power and negotiation skills to ensure you not only get lower rates but also get enough shipping capacity during a market rush. Moreover, you can access advanced communication services to track your shipment without any hassle.
Most shippers think having their own logistics department will help them save on costs. However, the opposite might be true for this statement.
Having your own logistics department may not provide you enough ROI as you will invest time and money in hiring employees for the department along with purchasing the latest logistics technology. This can cost you in the long run.
However, outsourcing your shipping requirements to a 3PL company can help you reduce overall costs. The 3PL company can provide you with the manpower, technology, resources, and industry expertise to handle your shipping requirements effectively, saving you time and money.
Shipping your products internationally is a key to business growth and success. Having a third-party logistics company handling your shipment can greatly reduce the overall hassle and improve the delivery of products.
We at Diversified Transportation Services are determined to help you manage your shipping operations effectively. As a 3PL company, you get access to services like less than truckload shipping, international air freight, ocean services, and so much more, along with the latest logistics technology and customer support.
Contact us now to learn more.
The shipping industry has evolved incredibly over the years, with one of the most significant, if not the most significant, evolution being the shipping container. A shipping container may seem mundane to the average person nowadays. Still, anyone in the shipping industry can see firsthand how invaluable the container’s design is, from its shape to its durability.
In addition, it’s essential to understand just how substantially these containers elevated the industry. If you want to learn how the modern-day shipping container changed the world, start with our comprehensive guide below. These containers have been around for more than 60 years, and they have made quite a few improvements over that time.
To discover how shipping containers changed the world, we must look at how the world was before their arrival. What needed changing? After all, the need to transport cargo, big and small, has been around for many years. Before the shipping container, there was breakbulk cargo. The breakbulk cargo system refers to a shipment of goods that are carefully loaded and unloaded individually.
This process gets its name because you must break up a bulk shipment to carry items piece by piece. Suffice it to say that this wasn’t the most efficient way of transporting goods. This means there was a distinct place for someone to improve these practices. Both the time and workforce could be effectively used elsewhere, but breakbulk was the way to go for many years. The tide finally began to turn in the 1950s with the invention of the shipping container.
In 1956, a trucking entrepreneur named Malcolm McLean introduced the world to a new method of shipping cargo efficiently. Today, efficiency is critical when transporting cargo, and it’s been that way for a long time. To optimize productivity, Mclean began moving freight in containers—no more individual packages for every single item. This form of shipping became known as intermodalism. McLean’s process focused on smoothly moving cargo from truck to ship and vice versa in one swift movement instead of piece-by-piece. This didn’t just make transitioning from vehicles quicker; it completely revolutionized the process.
Although it didn’t take the world by storm initially, Mclean’s intermodalism had become influential by the 1960s. It wasn’t just the bulk carrying of items that made shipping containers so helpful. An invaluable component of the design is the shape of the cargo containers. Think about all the different shipping containers you’ve seen. They may have differences, such as the colors or brand logos, but the shape is the same. You don’t see many circular shipping containers traveling worldwide, and there’s a reason for that.
Thanks to the specific shape of the containers, cargo could get arranged more uniformly and efficiently. Stackability is critical when carefully arranging cargo on planes, trucks, and more. Why awkwardly cram items together when you can bring more uniformity to freight with high-quality containers? That idea caught on, eventually leaving a lasting impact worldwide.
Intermodalism opened the door to more cost-effective global shipping solutions. Making shipping less laborious and time-consuming is no easy task, but its impact is still felt today. The simple design of a shipping container meant that ports could arrange storage space with more clarity and uniformity.
If you unloaded all the items from separate containers and stacked them, it may not be the most uniform arrangement. Shipping containers take those differently shaped layouts and put them into uniformly sized boxes. Thus, they can be easily stacked beside or atop one another during travel. The uniform size of the containers means you can swiftly strategize the layout for any shipment. Less guesswork, less improvising, and more precise planning had arrived.
Moving a wide range of items in one package means customers get their goods quicker. The customer may not understand the importance of shipping containers and how it affects their ability to receive items quicker. They’ll certainly feel happy when those items arrive on time or sooner. Companies can satisfy customers with reliable delivery times thanks to the modern-day shipping container.
How the modern-day shipping container changed the world is a long story that showcases how one invention can revolutionize an industry. Global shipping certainly hasn’t gone away since the 1950s. Today, the world still relies on shipping containers to gather items neatly and efficiently for transportation on ships or trucks. The shape of a shipping container gives logistics experts a consistent factor they can rely on across many unique orders.
For example, Diversified Transportation Services provides global freight forwarding to help organize and maintain an efficient cargo shipping system. However, that system would look vastly different without the shipping container. A shipping container is versatile enough to carry a wide range of goods, yet those goods can fit inside the same containers. Of course, there are now additional unique ways to ship bulk goods. For instance, some items require refrigeration to remain fresh during travel.
Beyond productivity, shipping containers also provide suitable security for items moving across the globe. A sealed shipping container can keep cargo safe from the elements, whether moving on the ocean, the road, or beyond.
Like boats, trains, and trucks, the shipping container is a tool that continues to be invaluable to the industry and will likely continue for a very long time. Although the shipping container’s invention is incredibly significant, you can still work with your shipping team to move cargo in efficient and innovative ways.
Thus, don’t think about the modern shipping container as using old technology; the hammer has been around for quite a while, too. Reflect on your current process and consider how you can use the modern-day container and more industry tools to push your company forward. The titular technology may appear normal to everyday passersby, but now you know how integral it is in fulfilling worldwide shipments to this very day.
Exporting goods internationally is a great business move for some—it’s exciting to expand your business beyond your backyard and serve thousands, if not millions, globally. However, when shipping internationally, you have responsibilities to take care of before handing the rest to your third-party logistics team.
Here’s everything you need to know about the documents required for international shipping.
Commercial and proforma invoices are preliminary bills of sale sent to the shipper before the shipment or delivery of goods. These invoices help keep shippers accountable for getting the shipment to its destination at its scheduled date and time.
While proforma invoices don’t do much legally in the United States, they are required in South America and Europe. You won’t be able to clear customs without a proforma invoice, but you can use an Automated Export System to deliver the documents quickly.
You need the following information on the invoice:
Before you ship your items, you need a packing list. Not only will this help handlers manage your items properly, but it can also be required for getting through customs officials. Your packing list should identify the items in the shipment, and it would be best if you included the net and gross weight of the package. Ideally, you should have these measurements in both US imperial and metric measurements.
Some countries will require that you provide a certificate of origin. This will identify where the goods originated and include a signature by a semi-official organization like a chamber of commerce. The signature will act as a stamp of approval and prove that your business is legitimate.
However, some chambers will charge you an additional fee to stamp and sign your documents or require you to be a member of the organization.
A bill of lading (BOL) is a form that acts as a receipt for shipping and logistics services. It’s a contract between the shipper and carrier. A bill of lading also highlights the type of transportation and route of the shipment. A BOL will lay out the rules and regulations of who can pick up the cargo.
An inland bill of lading is a contract between the transportation provider and the shipper. It states where the goods are going and is a form of receipt when picking the items up for the drop-off location.
When shipping internationally, the inland bill of lading is consigned to the 3PL managing the movement of your goods internationally or to the warehouse or forwarder that will cosign your items until the products are ready to be shipped.
Goods shipped on a plane will require an airway bill. This is a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. However, it’s important to note that airway bills are NOT negotiable.
When your shipment is shipped by an ocean vessel, you will need an ocean bill of lading. An ocean bill of lading can serve as a document of title for the goods or as a contract of transport.
A straight bill of lading is consigned to a specific consignee and is not negotiable under any terms. The consignee will get their shipment by showing a signed original bill of lading. This means the shipper must deliver the goods to the consignee and no one else.
A negotiable bill of lading is consigned “to order of shipper” and is signed by the shipper and sent to the bank in the client’s or buyer’s country. The bank will hold on to the original bill of lading until the letter of credit has been processed.
Freight forwarders are some of the most important people you will work with throughout this entire international shipment journey. They will help arrange the transport of your goods with a reputable 3PL provider and help ensure that you have everything you need to ship your items.
To help your 3PL provider and freight forwarders, you must provide a shipper’s letter of instructions (SLI). In your SLI, you should give them a few key pieces of information to make their job easier and to get your items shipped safe and sound, including:
If you’re exporting goods valued over 2,500 dollars (per item), you need to use the automated export system filing. This is an online method of filing required export information, and typically the 3PL provider will handle the filing on the seller’s or shipper’s behalf.
To fill out the form, you will need to provide the following:
International commercial terms, or incoterms, are universal guidelines that help flow international trading. These guidelines outline the responsibilities of buyers and sellers, but more specifically, they identify the roles behind the scenes.
Incoterms identify who manages and pays for the shipment, customs clearance, documentation, and insurance. This way, it’s easier to contact the people overseeing each step.
A bank will issue a letter of credit, guaranteeing the shipper’s payment. Letters of credit require specific documentation and preparation before the bank sends them out. Therefore, you must comply with them promptly. Make sure that you present your banker with the following common documents they request:
A safety data sheet is an essential document when shipping goods internationally. This document includes information about handling, storing, and safely disposing of the items inside the shipment. You must follow the International Maritime Organization regulations if your shipment contains hazardous or dangerous materials.
If you’re shipping products considered dangerous goods by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), The United States Department of Transportation, or the International Maritime Organization, you need to include the appropriate dangerous goods form with your shipment.
For the appropriate form, you need to know the classification of your dangerous goods. However, the IATA form is required for air shipments, and there’s a separate form for ocean shipments, so be sure to get the appropriate form.
Note: These forms should be completed by someone trained to handle dangerous goods shipping to prevent mishaps or inaccurate information.
For your average shipper, the terms “dangerous” and “hazardous” are used interchangeably. However, there’s a difference. Hazardous materials are substances or materials the Secretary of Transportation has deemed capable of risking health, safety, and property when transported.
Dangerous goods, on the other hand, are materials or substances capable of posing a risk to safety, health, property, or the environment. So, while hazardous and harmful materials are similar, it’s important that you have proper hazmat training and follow your domestic federal laws and international shipping laws.
Why rely on something other than professionals to manage your shipping and logistics? At Diversified Transportation Services, we provide professional shipping and logistics services for any business, big or small. We will help ensure that your shipment is safe and secure and arrives timely.
If you have any questions about international or domestic shipping services, don’t hesitate to contact us at 310-521-1200 or visit our contact page.
Due to the many industries that ship goods worldwide, you may wonder about the most commonly shipped freight in the world. From gaming systems to gorgeous tables, the global shipping industry moves a massive array of goods. Read below to learn which goods stand out as extremely high-demand freight year-round.
Local climates make it difficult to produce all the fruits and vegetables communities need year-round in various parts of the world. Thankfully, global shipping makes it possible for fruits and vegetables of all kinds to make their way to your local grocery store. For example, bananas are among the most in-demand produce items shipped worldwide. Whether you’re stocking up on bananas, blueberries, or beyond, you’re contributing to a massive part of global trade when you buy fresh and frozen produce.
People in the U.S. use various electronics in their daily lives, such as computers, phones, game systems, and tablets. America isn’t the only country that indulges in such tech. Consider electronic devices in the workforce, from medical equipment to printers.
These devices, and many more, are among the most popular products to ship worldwide. It’s important to schedule electronics shipments successfully during the holidays because game systems, TVs, and luxury electronics are in high demand. At DTS, we use international air shipping and other solutions for shipping goods overseas efficiently. Logistics experts can ensure you handle the holidays with more organization and focus.
We can’t overlook furniture when discussing the most commonly shipped freight in the world. Households and businesses use furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, and shelves for functional and stylish reasons. The furniture industry works with artists globally to build quality pieces. It’s not uncommon for a company’s furniture to ship from another part of the world.
Your creative team may be in the U.S., but the manufacturers may be putting everything together in another part of the world. Individual furniture components for repairs rank among the most commonly shipped freight since furniture contains many parts that can break. Although the three industries on this list are among the biggest freight shippers worldwide, many more products are shipped overseas every year, including car parts and clothes!
It’s common to ship oversized freight across the globe, but that doesn’t make it easy. Learning what challenges businesses face when shipping oversized freight is critical if you want to ship your goods responsibly. Luckily, you can start familiarizing yourself with the essentials of working with oversized freight right now. Read below to find three problems you may face along the way.
Delays are an issue for cargo of various sizes, especially when the weather becomes an issue. However, oversized cargo can make delays more problematic, depending on the industry. As we’ll discuss later in this guide, oversized cargo requires special care when you transport it, but that doesn’t always stop delays.
Unfortunately, any delay in the delivery chain can have a ripple effect across every other step. For example, if your oversized freight is a large machine that is time-sensitive, shipping delays can become an issue if you need that machine for building a structure, moving materials, or any other number of essential tasks. That said, because moving bulkier cargo requires special care, you can’t rush the shipping process if you want great results.
An additional detail to consider when working with oversized freight is any regulation involved. Carrying such cargo requires permits, but it’s not as easy as getting one universal permit. Instead, work with your shipping team to establish the specific permits necessary for the state you’re moving through. Each state has its own set of requirements, so prepare in advance to maintain a responsible shipping operation.
Another key challenge businesses face when shipping oversized freight is finding the experts capable of doing it. Oversized freight handling requires equipment capable of transporting its particularly large weight. Likewise, you also need trained experts to use that equipment and handle larger goods.
For example, as a shipping logistics company, our team at Diversified Transportation Services will help you prepare the proper resources for your specialized freight, including oversized cargo. Start working with logistics professionals today if you’re ready to put together a plan for overcoming these challenges and more.
Reaching a global audience is a big responsibility for any business. A lot can happen during domestic travel, and worldwide shipping can be problematic. Don’t worry! International shipping is not inherently complicated. Once you learn the essentials, you’ll have a better grasp of how to ship your goods successfully on a global scale. Implement these tips for preparing your freight for international shipping to fulfill orders efficiently, no matter where you’re sending them.
Customs can be smooth, so you must learn more about the country you’re sending your items to beforehand. Not all regulations are the same for every country you ship to around the world.
If you want to avoid unplanned fees and delays, work with your shipping team to learn and adhere to all relevant regulations. Neglecting to do so will complicate the customs process. Anytime you send items to a foreign country, never assume their regulations—always learn the current guidelines for shipping before sending the cargo.
Weight is important to consider for certain shipping regulations, but there are more reasons to calculate the weight of your cargo.
You have to think about the load capacity of trucks, planes, and watercraft to ensure safe and secure travel. It helps to work with a versatile shipping logistics team. At Diversified Transportation Services, we provide international shipping via DHL that can handle shipments ranging from 5 lbs. to 5,000 lbs. and more!
Successfully completing the two tips above, and many more critical processes, requires clear communication. Possibly the most important tip for preparing your freight for international shipping is to set clear expectations with your logistics team.
Do you want to upgrade your packaging design to protect goods during international travel? Do you have preferences in mind for shipping globally during the holidays? Explore these details with your shipping team to set a specific strategy.
It’s easy to hand over the reins of your shipping to experts and let them do the work. Shipping experts like 3PLs can certainly take a load off a business owner’s shoulders, but consistent communication will always provide the most personalized and accurate results for your company.
Cosmetics are shippable to many places, but it’s not something you can do without understanding the basics. Shipping abroad is different from doing it domestically, so improper preparation can lead to substantial setbacks. Do you need help learning the basics of shipping cosmetic products internationally? Keep reading below to see how you should prepare your shipments for a convenient experience.
Shipping internationally means you’re not only dealing with the regulations in the United States. Other countries have their own restrictions and regulations. Thus, you may have to provide additional information or alter your packaging in ways to meet those regulations. Talking with your shipping team about the regulations for your products’ destination ensures you can bypass frustrating fees and delays that will hinder your shipment.
When you’re working with cosmetics, you may look primarily at how they help people achieve their ideal appearance. It’s easy to overlook proper labeling in shipping—don’t forget that some items may be considered hazardous.
For example, alcohol-based cosmetics fall under the “flammable liquids” category. Thus, you should speak with your logistics partner to ensure such liquids and other hazardous items are properly labeled to ensure a safe, responsible shipping experience.
It’s important to know the information above, but the responsibility of following these steps doesn’t solely fall on a business owner’s shoulders. You may know a country’s regulations or how to label hazardous materials. But do your shipping partners know how to do these things? The basics of shipping cosmetic products internationally include finding a 3PL with experience and knowledge of the cosmetic industry.
That way, you can start your relationship off with clear communication about industry needs and standards. Once you have a reliable 3PL helping you, following the tips above will be a breeze. Talk with our team today about international air shipping for your industry needs and how we can help arrange your goods securely.
A 3PL is a third-party logistics company that a business hires to expand its shipping abilities. After all, a great shipping strategy is essential for keeping customers happy all year round. A 3PL may seem great on the surface, but it’s important to know how to make the most of the relationship with your 3PL.A good rapport can be more beneficial than you may realize. By knowing how to utilize your 3PL to the best of its abilities, you can build a better shipping system that benefits you and your customers.
Take a moment to read our comprehensive guide on the subject so you can hire a logistics partner who properly supports you from the moment a product is ordered to when it arrives at its destination.
When you’re looking for a 3PL, you want to find a company with your specific interests in mind at every step of the way. That said, you also have to understand the capabilities and responsibilities of a 3PL. One of the first things you should discuss with a potential logistics partner is proper expectations. For instance, what do you expect in terms of consistent updates from your 3PL?
Likewise, how fast do you expect to see results after hiring a 3PL? Are you aiming to prioritize domestic shipping, international shipping, or both? Suffice it to say that there are many potential topics to talk about. Discuss these details with the service provider before hiring them so both parties can have a clear understanding of what to expect from the get-go. Freight forwarding services are other examples of setting proper expectations.
For example, we offer freight forwarding services at Diversified Transportation Services, but this does not make us freight forwarders. We offer more comprehensive logistics assistance, and a part of that can mean working with freight forwarders to move your cargo efficiently. A 3PL works with multiple companies, so you’re likely not their sole client. Still, that doesn’t mean you deserve less than excellent service.
One of the best ways you can benefit from working with a 3PL is by expanding your company’s abilities with the service provider’s resources. If you partner with the right logistics expert, you will have access to a large inventory of transportation options, including trucks, planes, boats, and trains. This partnership ensures you have the means to plan the most efficient shipping strategy for your products.
Simply put, if you want to prioritize international shipping and meet a 3PL with access to planes but not boats, your shipping flexibility is narrower than it could be. International air cargo services are among the many services we provide to assist with an efficient shipping plan. Our ocean services can provide your business with an efficient form of international transportation when necessary.
Once you implement your 3PL’s available transportation and services, you can explore ways to optimize that process. For instance, maybe it’s time to adjust your packaging size to accommodate more products or reduce shipping costs; this is just one of the many details to focus on to make better use of your 3PL’s abilities. Either way, having a 3PL by your side ensures you always have an expert to help you down the right path.
Setting up routine updates with your 3PL is important because, as capable as they may be, they should never be left out of the loop. A 3PL is your partner for managing your cargo all over the world, and your needs may change throughout the year. For example, the shipping industry can become quite congested months before the holiday season due to the high volume of purchases. Thankfully, communicating with your 3PL before the holiday season gives you a way to put together an ideal plan.
This gives you plenty of time to assess how you can shift your shipping strategy to ensure that your products arrive on time and that your customers receive your products in time for the holidays. Another reason consistent communication with your logistics partner is essential is reducing costs. If you’re looking for ways to reduce costs during the shipping process, speak with your 3PL about inspecting the current shipping system to find inefficiencies. Disorganization can develop in various ways, from unnecessarily bulky packaging to outdated technology. Whatever the issue is, your 3PL can help you find a great plan for proceeding, but collaborating is key.
One of the key steps for learning how to make the most of the relationship with your 3PL is to listen to their feedback. To some, that may seem like a no-brainer. However, it’s easy to feel wary about making drastic changes to your current shipping strategy, even if it’s for the better. A business owner’s company is no small thing, so each change to the business model should be made carefully.
This detail is important for a 3PL to remember. Plus, business owners should keep in mind that being open to a 3PL’s ideas, as new as they may be, helps to find new ways to improve the equipment, shipping practices, and more factors.
It’s not about giving up complete control of your shipping process to someone else—it’s about finding experts you can trust and collaborate with effectively. The relationship between you and your 3PL should be collaborative because you must work toward the same goal—keeping your shipping efficient, reliable, and flexible.
Now that we’re at the end of this guide, you might wonder how you can start making the most out of the titular relationship right now. If you already have a 3PL partnership in place, use your guide to assess your relationship and how you want to utilize it more effectively. This is where communication comes in handy because you can start making changes ASAP, but it all comes down to what’s right for your company. If you aren’t currently working with a 3PL, partner with one today using the information above and make the most of the company’s resources immediately.
