Going Global? You May Need a Third Party Logistics Partner

As your business evolves you may find you have the need to outsource manufacturing abroad, target foreign markets, or even source raw materials from low-cost countries. As your business becomes global, you may find that you spend more and more time on logistics than any other operation. You can save both time and money by partnering with a third party logistics provider, and effectively outsourcing all product handling. From receiving, to storing, to packing and shipping, a professional logistics provider can help you automate your most time-consuming operations, so you can focus on your core competencies. Here are a few service offerings that may make sense for your business.

Dedicated Fleet

For regular transportation service, a logistics professional can set you up with a dedicated service of fleet vehicles to cover even the busiest delivery schedule. A professional logistics provider will help engineer the perfect system to suit your business. If you need time sensitive delivery to retailers, or need a regular supply of raw materials inventory delivered to your production line daily, a dedicated fleet can easily be embedded in your supply chain where you need them. A custom software will be integrated to give real-time delivery reports to help your logistics provider create even greater efficiencies in your supply chain.

Inter-modal

For interstate shipment of inventory you need a sophisticated inter-modal network of rail and truck services to cover your entire market. If you have distribution centers as far apart as Tennessee and California, a logistics consultant will help you consistently broker the best deals, with the most reputable carriers for maximum accuracy and timeliness of orders to make sure goods get where they need to be, when they need to be there. Humidity and temperature-controlled containers can also be provided to preserve perishable goods.

Global Logistics

Once your business evolves to the global level, you will need to re-examine your supply chain, and partner with a logistics company that is adept with international transactions, including adhering to U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, and correctly classifying cargo to prevent snags en route and protect the shipper's private information. There are many cost advantages to moving manufacturing overseas, and a logistics consultant is a critical component of the transition process to prevent interruptions of inventory.

Transportation Brokerage

As an individual or a small business, it can be very difficult to secure a good deal on freight transportation. If your orders are relatively small, a freight carrier will charge you for an entire container of goods. A transportation broker serves as an intermediary between you and the carriers, and since they broker freight for many different clients, they can batch shipments so that all can share in the cost savings. Often these brokers have extensive networks of trusted carriers that they regularly rely on to ship goods quickly, accurately, and safely. Using a freight broker means that you have only one point of contact should an order be delayed or there be some other concern, and saves you the hassle of tracking down shipments in a vast chain of carriers.