When did you last receive a package on your doorstep that contained something you purchased online? Saw a delivery truck drive through your neighborhood? Or even walked through a warehouse or distribution center? Chances are strong you don’t have to think too far back!
All of these things are associated with logistics. And as consumer behavior today has shifted towards ecommerce and away from traditional brick-and-mortar storefronts, even on a global scale, logistics has become all the more important. After all, every company needs to navigate their supply chain well in order to deliver their orders to customers on time in an ecommerce-driven world. For this reason, many businesses are choosing to partner with a shipping logistics company to ensure their logistics can keep up with customer demand.
What is a Shipping Logistics Company?
A shipping logistics company specializes in navigating the logistics of a supply chain. This involves moving goods from point A to point B. While this may sound simple enough, when you factor in the various steps required to obtain the goods, get them ready for transport, and physically deliver them to their destination on time, it’s a much more complex process.
A shipping logistics company will often take responsibility for the execution of various stages in your company’s supply chain. This can include receiving, warehousing, transportation, and final delivery. Yet it can expand further into packaging, inventory management, specialized delivery services, and more. When you think about all of the supply chain functions out there, many businesses realize they don’t have time to manage their own supply chains and start looking to partner with a shipping logistics company instead.
Types of Shipping Logistics Companies to Consider
If you’re considering using the services of a shipping logistics company, it’s important to know the different types that exist so you can find the fit that works best for your needs.
Carriers
A carrier is a shipping logistics company that focuses primarily on transporting goods. Carriers can be large or small and may specialize in specific types of transport. However, many carriers will work with a broad range of industries. Their shipping services can be regional, national, or international and involve various transportation methods, such as rail, ocean cargo, air, or trucking.
Freight Brokers
A freight broker is a type of shipping logistics company that acts as a middleman or intermediary between an ecommerce company like yours with goods to ship and a carrier with the capacity to transport them. They have relationships with a vast network of usually smaller carriers and work to coordinate your shipments with various carrier options.
Third-Party Logistics Providers
A third-party logistics provider (or 3PL) is a shipping logistics company that can oversee and manage some or all aspects of your supply chain. A 3PL has established relationships with national carriers and may even have its own network of warehouses. Because of this capacity, 3PLs will often offer bundled services that cover replenishment, inventory management, order fulfillment, and transportation. For these reasons, many companies will outsource their entire logistics needs to a 3PL.
Advantages of Working with a Shipping Logistics Company
Scalability
When you partner with a shipping logistics company, you instantly have access to greater logistics resources. That means you have the logistics manpower (especially when you partner with a 3PL) to expand your business into new markets. And with a reliable shipping logistics company by your side, you can keep up with growing demand and offer expedited shipping to appeal to more customers.
Time Saved
One perk that business owners like you love most about working with a shipping logistics company is extra time. With your logistics covered, you have more time to devote to other important aspects of your business that only you can do. You’re not bogged down by packing lists, inventory management, or even shipping-related customer service needs.
Reduced Costs
Though you’re paying a shipping logistics company for its services, you ultimately gain cost savings in the long run. By outsourcing logistics, you don’t have to spend money on the manpower or overhead to do it yourself. Plus, with a shipping logistics company’s network of carriers, you can often get better shipping rates.
Ready to Get Started? Smart Warehousing Can Help
A shipping logistics company can ensure you have your logistics needs covered so your business can thrive in today’s ecommerce environment. But to get the most bang for your buck, we recommend partnering with a 3PL. At Smart Warehousing, we can take care of your entire supply chain, from replenishment and warehousing to fulfillment, transportation, and more. Request a quote today to get started.