Businesses face numerous challenges when it comes to managing logistics operations. As a result, an increasing number of companies are turning towards third-party logistics (3PL) providers to help handle their supply chain. Here’s how a 3PL can help your business grow:
What are 3PLs and why should you use one?
Third-party logistics (3PL) companies oversee a business’s supply chain. They use their large infrastructure and specialized knowledge of both supply chains and industry standards to take over logistics management for businesses. 3PLs also thoroughly vet their partners to ensure quality service. This helps companies save time and resources, allowing them to focus on tasks like production, marketing, and sales.
Specialized Knowledge and Experience
3PLs are industry specialists with the knowledge and resources needed to cater to the specific needs of their clients. In the temperature-controlled goods industry, this includes extensive experience working with proteins and produce, both of which may require cold and/or dry shipping and storage as the product moves from farm (or sea) to the end consumer’s plate. By relying on a 3PL’s database of industry knowledge, companies can rest assured that their products will be handled efficiently and with the utmost care.
Risk Mitigation
Shipping and storing perishable food items carries the inherent risk of spoilage or damage during transport, costing businesses tens of thousands of dollars in the process. A 3PL can help mitigate this risk by implementing quality control measures such as product inspections, temperature monitoring, and contingency planning in case of unforeseen delays or issues.
Size and Efficiency
Because 3PLs work with a large number of clients, they maintain and rely on extensive networks of shipping and warehousing partners around the country to conduct their busin ess. Working with a 3PL allows companies to tap into the benefits of a large-scale logistics operation. For example, 3PLs often provide discounted rates for premier services that companies would otherwise not have access to.
3PLs also rely on valuable data and insights to make logistics decisions. Tracking key performance indicators such as order accuracy, inventory levels, and transportation costs allows them to operate efficiently and effectively. This, paired with their use of complex and well-established shipping and warehousing automation systems, helps them avoid costly bottlenecks while ensuring timely product delivery.
Technology
By leveraging the latest logistics technology, 3PLs gain in-depth visibility into the status of their customers’ cargo. This allows shippers to stay on top of meeting client demands and expectations while fulfilling shipments with the highest level of control and accuracy possible.
Adaptability
Because 3PLs maintain such large networks, they are extremely adaptable. They can react to market changes almost immediately, accommodating your business’s needs during times of volatile supply or demand. This is incredibly important in the protein and produce industries, where unpredictable market shifts can make or break a business.
Regulatory Knowledge
Shipping protein products can be complex and requires compliance with numerous regulations and standards. A 3PL like HPL uses its expertise from working with regulatory agencies to ensure that products are shipped in compliance with all applicable regulations, minimizing the risk of fines or penalties.
The benefits of working with a 3PL in the refrigerated goods industry cannot be overstated. With the right partner, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, all while ensuring the safety and integrity of their products.
For companies working with produce and proteins, partnering with a 3PL means less time and resources are spent worrying about the complex processes of storing, shipping, and complying with regulations. This lets businesses focus on what really matters: making and selling great products.
HPL is your partner for moving and storing temperature-controlled proteins, produce, and products. If you need something moved or stored, get in touch.
