Modern commerce revolves around the Internet. When many customers make most of their purchases online, the ability to ship products efficiently and affordably becomes a necessity. 3PL companies help make this possible. With C&M Transport, find out what 3PL means and how it can help your business optimize its supply chain, improve service, and expand its customer base.
What Is 3PL?
The term 3PL stands for “Third-Party Logistics”. Also called fulfillment companies or fulfillment centers, 3PL management companies specialize in helping other companies optimize their supply chain. They offer a variety of services, which may include:
- Inventory management
- Warehouse storage
- Packaging
- Order fulfillment
- Returns
By focusing exclusively on logistics, 3PL providers can identify the most effective systems and methods. Extensive experience lets them problem-solve when a complication arises. In addition, they develop extensive infrastructure and advanced technology such as track and trace systems. This further empowers 3PL managers to fulfill orders as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Benefits of Partnering with a 3PL Provider
As e-commerce continues to boom, 3PL is becoming more important than ever in enabling businesses to fulfill orders efficiently. Outsourcing logistics to a 3PL company allows businesses to improve their fulfillment while reallocating resources, enabling the following benefits:
Keep Up with Demand
As your business grows, an in-house approach to fulfillment may no longer be enough to meet demands. Falling behind risks losing customers. According to one study, nearly a quarter of online customers have canceled orders due to slow shipping. By working with a 3PL provider, you improve efficiency and ensure that every customer receives their product promptly.
Reduce Shipping Costs
3PL also reduces the cost of transportation. According to the same study, shipping costs are a leading cause of online basket abandonment. If customers are confronted with a pricey delivery fee, they are more likely to seek out another retailer. With 3PL, you can take advantage of existing infrastructure to ship at more affordable rates for more successful customer conversions.
Save Resources
Working with a 3PL partner also helps you conserve resources. When the 3PL provider handles your warehousing and fulfillment, you no longer need to devote your company’s time and money to those tasks. Those resources can instead be used to strengthen other areas of business. You’ll be able to focus on other areas, such as refining your business model or developing new product lines.
Expand Your Business
3PL providers have already established a far-reaching infrastructure. Partnering with a provider gives you access to that infrastructure. This allows you to sell to customers who would otherwise be outside your business’ reach. The 3PL infrastructure, alongside the resources you reclaim, provides an opportunity to expand outside your region to grow your customer base.
Find a 3PL Partner with C&M Transport
If you run an e-commerce business that could benefit from 3PL logistics, consider partnering with C&M Transport. We maintain 17 locations across the nation with both ground and air charter service, letting us reach a wide range of customers. We offer expedited services to businesses in need of fast service and white glove shipping for items that require special handling. In addition, our advanced systems allow parcel tracking, driver communication, and more to help you monitor your shipments.
Conserve resources and improve your business today with C&M Transport. We are a truckload and special services carrier based near Cleveland, Ohio, operating nationwide for over 30 years with a great reputation in the industry. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to find out how to become a partner.