4 Reasons Why You Might Want to Leave Your Current 3PL Warehousing Provider

In today's fast-paced market, partnering with the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider has never been more critical for your success, as their role in warehousing, processing, and transportation impacts all aspects of your supply chain.

Unfortunately, partnering with the wrong 3PL provider can have lasting implications for your business. Therefore, if you notice any of the following problems with your current 3PL provider, it's time to switch.

Expensive and Rigid Service Offerings

A common frustration with some 3PL providers is their costly services that don’t adjust to the dynamic needs of a business. In an industry where cost efficiency is king, providers that offer fixed-rate and high-priced solutions can severely hinder your company’s financial health.

This pinch is felt acutely when the offerings lack flexibility; whether it's a sudden need for temperature-controlled shipping or accommodating unusual load sizes, rigid 3PL providers can be a deal-breaker.

Instead, you should partner with a 3PL provider that lets you scale up (or down) the service offerings as required. They should work hand-in-hand with you during all steps of warehousing, including kitting, fulfillment, and complex cross-docking tasks. These enhanced capabilities reflect a partner committed to boosting your operations rather than just fulfilling them.

Processing and Shipping Times are Lagging

Another significant aspect where your current 3PL may fall short is processing and shipping times. In the lightning-fast world of logistics, any delay is a disadvantage. Additionally, businesses with extended wait times often struggle with customer satisfaction and inventory turnover.

A proficient 3PL partner streamlines your logistics with advanced tech and optimized strategies, significantly improving processing and shipping times. They employ automation and data analytics to enhance efficiency, ensuring swift and reliable delivery that meets customer expectations, ultimately boosting your reputation for promptness and dependability in the market.

For example, Freight Xperts uses a state-of-the-art warehouse management system (WMS) that automates order processing, reducing the time from order receipt to dispatch. Coupled with strategic warehouse locations near major transport hubs, we ensure that products reach customers faster, cutting shipping times by up to 25%.

If processing and shipping times lag despite sharing feedback, it signals serious underlying issues and is a clear red flag for a 3PL provider.

Reliant on Manual Labor vs Performance Enhancing Technology

An over-reliance on manual labor and a reluctance to invest in technology cannot exist in this digital era. While manual processes hold an undeniable charm, they slow down progress in comparison to technological advances like warehouse management systems (WMS) and robotics process automation (RPA), platforms facilitating seamless integration across supply chains.

The utilization of cutting-edge technology can drastically reshape warehousing and logistics processes, allowing for predictive analytics that forecast demand and automate replenishment strategies. Having the ability to anticipate and respond swiftly transforms inventory management, eliminating wasteful practices.

When critical technology and systems are absent from your 3PL, take it as a cue that they might not fit the tech-savvy future you envision for your business.

Limited Market Penetration

Growing your customer base means entering new markets, but this can be difficult for small businesses. While partnering with a local 3PL might have sufficed initially, as you scale or diversify geographically, these alliances can limit reach and impact instead of assisting with growth.

This is where a national brand like Freight Xperts outshines its competition. With an extensive network that covers major North American locations such as:

• Vancouver
• Calgary
• Toronto
• Montreal
• Washington
• California
• Texas
• Florida
• Chicago
• New York

Freight Xperts ensures your products seamlessly connect with new customer bases across diverse geographies.

Having a widespread 3PL network gives insight into regional market dynamics, compliance requirements, and cultural nuances required for successful market penetration. Local 3PLs often cannot match this depth of knowledge nor provide the necessary logistical connections spanning various provinces or states.

It's Never Been Easier to Upgrade 3PL Providers

Switching to a more efficient 3PL provider is easy, and critical for businesses aiming to stay competitive in the ever-changing market landscape.

With streamlined transition processes, the shift towards a better logistics partner can lead to immediate and noticeable improvements that revolutionize your entire supply chain.

Freight Xperts specializes in Vancouver 3PL warehouse services and trucking across North America. We specialize in Vancouver 3PL Warehousing services, full truckload and less than truckload services including dry van, temperature controlled, and flatbed, plus cross-border shipping.

Our goal is to provide the highest level of service in the most cost-effective manner possible for the warehousing and trucking of your products ranging from single pallets to full truck loads.