At a time when customers want their products now, partnering with the right logistics & distribution services is imperative for your business. There is a massive opportunity cost involved in delayed shipments. You may also lose out to your competitors just because inefficient logistics created a roadblock between your factory and the end customer. For no fault of yours, your business may suffer and the panic effort to get the system back on track might plummet your revenue further.
So, if you are hiring your first third-party logistics company or considering a change, here are 5 tips on how to land one of the best warehousing and distribution services in the UK. Look into the obvious parameters and leave no scope for a logistical blunder.
The 3PL’s expertise
The primary feature that you need to evaluate is the third-party logistics firm’s area of expertise. Does it provide the exact services that you need for your business? How long have they been operating in the market? The 3PL company you choose needs to complement your business with their services and must have the expertise to deal with varying situations. For instance, an industry leader can seamlessly take care of your logistics during a crisis situation. A random brand may throw your business into more chaoss
Technology and efficiency
Logistics & distribution services that have adopted the latest technologies in their warehouses and shipment systems offer supreme efficiency to your business. The time-lapse between order placement and pickup is minimal. Packing and labelling are quick as well. Automated systems reduce shipment costs and help to eliminate logistical delays. Obviously, you will want to partner with a 3PL company that has invested heavily in technology.
Location of the warehouses
Along with the size of the warehouses, their location also matters and you should look for those warehousing and distribution services in the UK with their warehouses located at strategic hubs. Proximity to ports is a crucial element. Warehouse locations near industrial areas all over the country also improve the supply line. How fast your products reach the market depends on warehouse locations more than truck speed.
Product and freight management
In-house freight management is essential for the effectiveness of logistics & distribution services. The freight market is ever-changing and freight costs vary depending on several factors. The 3PL company you choose should keep you immune to such fluctuations and ensure that your logistics costs are kept in check. Also, a top 3PL company will provide additional product management services like quality inspection, barcode labelling, kitting, and more. These will help your business to grow efficiently.
Promptness of customer service
A final parameter that you need to check before signing the partnership papers is the promptness of the 3PL’s customer service. How fast did it respond to your queries? Were they professionals in their approach when you asked the tough questions? Customer service will become crucial when things start going downhill in the supply line and you want the 3PL to quickly clear the bottleneck. You cannot partner with a company that does not pick up the phone or shifts the blame to subcontractors.
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