LTL shipping, also known as Less Than Truckload, refers to shipments that do not require a full trailer for transport. Many growing businesses rely on this service to deliver their goods to customers in all industries across North America. Choosing the right 3PL for LTL shipments can be very crucial to a small business’ livelihood.
Why Choose a 3PL for LTL shipments?
When it comes to choosing between 3rd party logistics (3PL) or going carrier direct, the real question is – Do you want a partner or a vendor? Working with a carrier requires someone in-house to manage the relationship and take time to learn a little about shipping. And when your carrier-vendor doesn’t have a service you require, you may need to invest more time finding another option.
A 3PL partner handles all of this eliminating the need for any in-house shipping expertise. Here are a few benefits of working with a Third Party Logistics Company.
Customer Service
A 3PL company can offer personalized customer service by being flexible in order to meet each customer’s needs, a good 3PL will realize every client is different and tailor solutions to your needs, instead of giving you rates and fitting you into the box that is easiest for them.
Cost Savings
Third party logistics companies specialize in growing their partnerships with small, medium and large sized LTL carriers. This gives them buying power to negotiate better rates/service for their clients. Many LTL carriers use rating systems that are based on pallet size dimensions and weight. A 3PL company has the advantage of being able to negotiate lower rates due to their higher volumes of business with different LTL carriers that specialize in different lanes industry verticals and markets.
Freight Expense
Working with a 3PL consolidates both carriers and reporting. It doesn’t matter how many different carriers or services you employ. Shipping data becomes much more manageable, doesn’t require a lot of time to organize, and a 3PL partner is always available to answer questions and share expertise.
Performance Review
When you call carrier direct, you simply will not know the quality of their on-time performance. A 3PL’s quoting process presents a lot of relevant – and important – data. Price is important, but so is whether your freight will get there on time. This additional data helps to make best decision on all shipments.
Value added Service
The value that a 3PL company provides is having a team of industry professionals at your disposal, together with technology to provide visibility of your shipments and personalized attention to your business. 3PL companies can provide options and costs savings according to your customer’s needs.
Overall, choosing a 3PL for LTL Shipments is the best option. Especially when shipments have special requirements like handle with care or time sensitive deadlines. 3PL companies provide an advantage for businesses looking to find the most competitive rates in the market, along with service that they can count on.
Christopher Morgan Fulfillment
Christopher Morgan Fulfillment has access to more than 600,000 square feet of professionally managed, secure, dry storage space, warehousing & distribution in Milwaukee and in all regions of the United States.
Our facilities are located in:
- New Berlin, Wisconsin
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