7 Best 3PL Companies in 2023 [Ultimate Guide To Third Party Logistics]

The best 3PL companies offer high quality service and value to their customers. The best 3PL companies will also look out for your needs and make sure that they are always able to meet any challenges that may come up in the future.

This article will provide you with information on how to choose a good 3PL company, as well as some tips on how to find one.

 

 

Best 3PL Companies – Introduction

A third party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that specializes in providing shipping and warehousing services to other companies.

A 3PL company can be either a general or a specialized provider; general providers offer all types of services, while specialized providers only offer specific ones.

For example, there are companies that only provide international shipping services or other specific types of transportation services.

These companies work on commission basis but also charge fees for their services as well.

What Are the Best 3PL Companies?        

The best 3PL companies are those that offer you the most benefit. They should be able to service your needs and make your business run smoother.

In order to find these companies, you must first determine what you are looking for in a third-party logistics company. Here are some of the things to consider:

What Services Do You Need?

You will want to look at all of the services that your potential 3PL can provide. If you need assistance with warehousing only, then you will want to find a company that specializes in this area.

If you need help with distribution as well, then find a company that offers this type of service as well.Do You Have Any Needs That Need Special Attention?

Maybe you need extra security when transporting certain items or perhaps certain shipments need special packaging materials. Your 3PL should be able to handle any issues like these without any difficulty so long as they have experience dealing with them before.

1. ShipBob  

 ShipBob is a next-generation shipping platform that provides a single, simplified and affordable end-to-end solution for both large and small businesses. Our eCommerce shipping software is designed for the modern retailer that needs to scale quickly with no extra cost.

ShipBob offers retailers the most comprehensive and affordable shipping solution available. With more than 50 carriers, we can offer you access to the best rates available. We also have direct relationships with carriers like UPS and USPS so you can take advantage of their best rates, too!

A few benefits of using ShipBob are:

• No hidden fees – We charge a flat rate per package so you can see exactly what your shipping costs will be before you even order your product.
• Easy setup – Our simple interface makes it easy to get started right away without any technical knowledge or training required!Easy integration – ShipBob integrates seamlessly with many popular shopping carts including Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento and more!

Features

-Same day delivery for items in Metro Boston and New York City

-Allowable weight range of 50 lbs. – 150 lbs. per package

-Packaging materials provided by ShipBob or you can use your own packing materials

-Customizable labels with your business logo or name printed directly onto the label

Pros

 The ShipBob team has been hard at work building a shipping software platform that makes it easy to get your product to the customer. We are now live, and we want you to know how much we value our customers and their feedback.

Here are some of the things we’ve learned from our customers:

We want to make sure you are 100% satisfied with our service. If you have any issues, please let us know so we can help you as quickly as possible.

We understand that sometimes mistakes happen and we want to make sure you have a great experience with us regardless of what happens. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that you may have with your order or shipment.

2. FedEx

 FedEx is the world’s largest express transportation company and a provider of a broad range of services, including ground and air transportation, business solutions, logistics, and more. We serve customers globally with many integrated solutions for shipments, including time-definite delivery in the United States and Canada.

Our global portfolio includes 10,000+ aircraft, 200,000+ vehicles and 1.2 million team members who deliver for customers each day. With a strong commitment to safety and an all-encompassing approach to corporate responsibility, we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work while serving our customers’ practical needs.

With fiscal year 2019 revenues of $55 billion and expected to grow by at least 4% in fiscal 2020, FedEx is one of the world’s most valuable logistics companies.

Features

FedEx has been shipping packages since 1971, and the company continues to expand on its offerings. In fact, FedEx is now one of the largest logistics services in the world.

The company offers several different products and services, including:

• FedEx Express – A global provider of fast and reliable delivery services for priority, time-sensitive shipments.
• FedEx Ground – Domestic ground service available in over 3,000 cities in the U.S.
• FedEx Freight – Provides less-than-truckload freight services for both businesses and consumers, as well as expedited freight for companies that require same-day delivery or next-day service.
• FedEx Office – Provides printing, copying and other business services at thousands of locations nationwide.

Pros      

1. FedEx offers a wide range of services. From ground transportation to air freight, you can count on FedEx to get your packages where they need to be.
2. FedEx offers a wide range of delivery options at an affordable price.
3. You can schedule your shipment with FedEx and receive tracking information so that you can see where your package is at all times.
4. The website is easy to navigate and provides all the information you need when planning a shipment or making other arrangements for delivery of your items or documents.

3. DHL Supply Chain      

 DHL Supply Chain is a leading logistics provider in North America. We enable our customers to keep their supply chains moving quickly and efficiently.

We are the leading full-service provider of integrated logistics solutions in North America, with a network of over 500 facilities across the United States and Canada.

Our customers include many of the world’s largest corporations and government agencies, as well as small-to-medium sized businesses. As part of our commitment to these customers, we maintain a portfolio of services that includes:

• Warehousing & Distribution – We offer flexible solutions for all types of goods including goods requiring temperature controlled storage or distribution.Inbound Transportation – We provide door-to-door pickup and delivery services for imports and exports.
• Freight Forwarding – Our freight forwarding service is fast, reliable, and cost effective way to move your goods throughout the world.

Features

 DHL Supply Chain is the leading logistics services provider in the world and a part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. As a global company, DHL Supply Chain connects more than 285,000 customers and 437,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories.

DHL Supply Chain offers the following features:

 – Logistics network

– Transportation services

– Customs clearance & customs brokerage

– Distribution & warehousing services

Pros      

 DHL Supply Chain Pros is a supply chain management software that helps businesses to manage their supply chains and improve their overall efficiency. The software is developed for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium sized enterprises, large corporations, and government organizations.

It is available as a free trial version for 30 days.The software is designed to help companies in the following areas:

• Supply Chain Management
• Inventory Management
• Warehouse Management
• Distribution Management
• Purchasing Management

4. C.H. Robinson

 C.H. Robinson Worldwide is a global transportation and logistics company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The company has been family-owned since its founding in 1905 by Charles Hutchins Robinson and expanded over the years to become one of the largest third-party logistics companies in North America.

C.H. Robinson was founded in 1905 by Charles Hutchins Robinson as a grain brokerage business in North Dakota. It was incorporated in Minnesota as C.H. Robinson & Company in 1910.

Charles’ younger brother, William H., joined the business in 1913. In 1920, C.H. Robinson moved its headquarters from Minot, North Dakota to Minneapolis, where it remains today.

In December 1924, C.H. Robinson became a public company via an initial public offering (IPO).In 1926, C.H. Robinson moved its headquarters again this time from Minneapolis to Chicago.

In 1993, C.H. Robinson acquired Jostens’ school supply distribution division,[9] which included brands such as Mead Five Star and Nupro.

Features

 C.H. Robinson is a global transportation and logistics company serving customers in more than 100 countries. The company offers a wide range of services that include transportation, logistics, supply chain management, warehousing and value-added services.

C.H. Robinson’s integrated network of operations includes:

– A fleet of more than 12,000 tractors and trailers

– Approximately 20 million square feet of warehousing space

Pros      

 It’s never a good time to be in the middle of a staffing crisis, but your employees will always appreciate the extra effort you put into finding them a temporary replacement.

The key to successfully managing an employee who’s out for an extended period of time is to have a plan in place when they’re on their way out. By taking the time to think through the process before an employee leaves, you’ll be able to find someone quickly and easily when it’s time for them to go.

Here are four ways you can manage an employee out on medical leave:

1. Establish expectations around clients and customers
2. Communicate with other employees
3. Explore your options with staffing agencies
4. Emphasize the importance of staying connected

5.Ryder            

 Ryder is a sweet, gentle and playful dog. He is great with other dogs and loves to play with toys. He also loves to cuddle on the couch or in bed at night.

Ryder loves his treats and will do anything for them! He is a very smart boy who learns quickly and loves to please his people.

Ryder is good on leash but still needs more training to be perfect on walks. He can sometimes pull if he sees another dog off leash or smells something interesting in the neighborhood, so he needs some practice walking nicely on leash around distractions.

Features

 Ryder features include:

-Easy to use

-Flexible scheduling

-Customizable services

-No shop or inventory costs, no extra fees and no bookkeeping hassles

-100% free for customers to use

-Payment is easy with the Paypal credit card processor or any major credit card through our secure portal

Pros      

 Ryder Pros is your best source for Ryder truck rentals. From the moment you call us, you will be treated like family.

We are committed to providing you with the best experience possible by offering top notch customer service and reliable vehicles at affordable rates. We own and operate our fleet of rental trucks, which allows us to be flexible and quick when it comes to delivering our services.

We offer a variety of different types of trucks including:

• Flatbeds
• Dump Trucks
• Tractor Trailers
• Stakebeds

6. Burris Logistics            

 Burris Logistics is the leading provider of transportation and logistics services for companies that demand speed, accuracy, and reliability.

Our specialized team has decades of experience in the industry and more than 1,000 trucks on the road daily across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. We offer a wide variety of services including LTL (less than truckload), full truckload (FTL), temperature controlled transportation and warehousing.

Burris Logistics provides our customers with complete transparency into their freight from pickup to delivery by using our proprietary software systems that streamline communication between carriers, shippers, brokers and clients.

Our expertise in all modes of transportation means we can move your freight quickly and safely through any mode of transport including rail, road or ocean freight. We also specialize in cross-border shipments between North America and South America as well as Mexico through our joint ventures with international partners such as DHL Express International.

Features

 Burris Logistics is the largest privately-owned logistics company in the country. We offer our clients a full line of logistics and transportation services, including:

– Domestic and international freight forwarding and transportation

– Warehousing and distribution

– Trucking

– Customs brokerage and clearance services

– Import and export consulting and compliance

Pros

 Burris Logistics Pros is a full service logistics company that provides customers with the services, expertise and technology needed to meet their transportation needs. We offer superior service at competitive prices and have a proven track record of meeting our customer’s demands.

We are committed to providing quality service, on time delivery and exceptional customer service.

We provide all types of transportation services including:

– Less than truckload (LTL) freight

– Full truckload freight (FTL)

– Truckload freight (TL)

– Air freight (AIR)

7. DSV Global

 DSV Global is a Danish transport and logistics company, with headquarters in Glostrup, Denmark. It is the world’s largest provider of third-party logistics services. The company was founded as Dansk Supermarked Services A/S in 2002 by the Norwegian group NorgesGruppen and has since doubled its revenue from EUR 4 billion to 8 billion in 2015.

In May 2017, DSV announced that it had acquired a majority interest in Japan’s Kintetsu World Express (KWE) for $1.1 billion dollars along with an additional investment of $300 million dollars for future growth initiatives.

This acquisition brings together two of the world’s leading providers of ocean freight forwarding services and provides customers with access to global shipping routes through both air and ocean modes of transportation through one single source.

The new entity will operate under the name DSV Kintetsu World Express with offices across Asia Pacific including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as well as a global hub in Shanghai which serves North America and Europe via airfreight forwarding services.

Features

 DSV Global is a leading logistics company with a global network of more than 30,000 employees and 7,400 vehicles.

DSV Global has a strong presence in the global express market, offering both air and ocean freight services. The company also offers a comprehensive range of supply chain management services through its integrated offering called Cargo 360.

DSV’s main business areas include:

   FCL/LCL Air Freight Services

   Inland and Ocean Freight Services

   Ocean Container Logistics Solutions

   Customs Clearance Services

Pros

 DSV Global Pros is a program that rewards you for your purchases. You can earn points on every purchase at DSV.com, which can be redeemed for travel. Sign up for your DSV Global Pros membership today to get started earning points!

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase products from DSV.com and earn 1 point per dollar spent.
2. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases.
3. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on all merchandise purchased in the DSV Pro Shop (only available online).
4. Earn 10 points per dollar spent on all international shipping charges (up to $100) placed through the website or by calling the toll-free number 800-941-3439 (open Monday through Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm EST).

8. Expeditors

 Expeditors is a leading global logistics company. We help our clients move their goods faster and more efficiently from the factory to the retailer, from the store to the customer, and from the customer back to the retailer.

We have over 23,000 employees at nearly 600 locations in 38 countries, making us one of the largest single provider of logistics services in North America. In addition to our own ground transportation fleet and air freight operations, we offer integrated supply chain solutions through strategic partnerships with many of the world’s largest airlines and trucking companies.

Expeditors International of Washington (EIW) is a subsidiary of Expeditors International Corporation (EC). EIW provides full-service international air freight forwarding solutions for customers who value expedited delivery as well as those seeking increased visibility into their shipments.

Features

 Expeditors is a leading global logistics provider with freight forwarding, customs brokerage and international express services for an extensive range of industries and customers.

Expeditors offers a comprehensive suite of integrated supply chain management services, including air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, trucking, warehousing and distribution to more than 1 million businesses around the globe.

Expeditors has over 80 offices in Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the United States. Our network of agents in over 75 countries extends our global reach to virtually any destination in the world.

Expeditors is committed to providing our customers with top quality service at every step of their supply chain management process. We offer a wide range of customized solutions to meet your unique needs:

-Domestic & International Air Freight Forwarding

-Ocean Freight Forwarding (Export & Import)

-Customs Clearance & Documentation Services / Bonded Warehousing / Inland Transportation Services / Customs Brokerage Services (Duty Drawback Applications)

Pros      

1. We have a global presence.

Whether you’re shipping a package across town or across oceans, our global network will deliver your shipment quickly and efficiently. With more than 100 service locations in North America and Europe, we can ship anything to anywhere in the world.

2. We provide secure shipping solutions

Our customers rely on us to keep their shipments safe during every step of the process. We offer comprehensive security measures such as bonded trucks, GPS trackers, and 24/7 monitoring of all shipments to ensure complete peace of mind for our clients.

3. We have a history of innovative solutions

Our team is always innovating, developing new ways to make shipping fast, easy and affordable for our customers. Whether it’s introducing new technology or improving existing systems, we’re always looking for ways to make expediting as smooth as possible.

9. DB Schenker

 DB Schenker is a logistics company, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, which was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. It has a presence in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company operates under three divisions: air & ocean freight forwarding, rail & logistics and contract logistics.

DB Schenker’s air & ocean freight forwarding division offers international air and ocean freight forwarding services including customs clearance, packing and unpacking services as well as third-party logistics services for companies that do not have the capacity to handle such tasks internally.

The rail & logistics division provides rail freight services through its subsidiary DB Cargo, including the operation of freight trains on behalf of other companies as well as providing railway infrastructure maintenance services through its subsidiary DB Netz AG. In addition, it provides contract logistics services through its subsidiary DB Schenker Logistics GmbH & Co KG (formerly Deutscher Paketdienst GmbH (DPD)).

The contract logistics business consists of three areas: contract logistics operations; warehousing and distribution; and project logistics services (including construction site management).

Features

 DB Schenker is a global logistics provider, offering a complete range of services to customers all over the world.

DB Schenker operates in more than 100 countries, with more than 130,000 employees and offers its customers an extensive portfolio of services – from forwarding and transport to contract logistics and supply chain management.

The company operates under the brand names DB Schenker, DB Cargo, Schenker & Co., Euler Hermes and Kuehne + Nagel.

The main business areas are:

– Logistics & Distribution

– Freight Forwarding

– Supply Chain Management

Pros      

1. Prompt and efficient delivery of consignments
2. Customized services
3. Door to door services
4. Transportation of hazardous goods
5. Transportation of dangerous goods
6. Customs clearance and documentation
7. Air freight services from India to abroad

What Are 3PL Companies?

 3PL companies are third-party logistics providers. They manage your supply chain by taking over some of the work that you would normally do yourself, including warehousing and transportation.

The services that 3PLs provide vary based on the size of your business and what you are shipping. For example, they may offer a variety of different shipping options to help you get your products to customers more quickly or at a lower cost.

Here are some of the most common services that 3PL companies provide:

Warehousing solutions: If you don’t have the space or resources to warehouse your inventory, a 3PL company can help you store it for you until it’s needed. They can also help with inventory management and shipping fulfillment.

Pick-and-pack services: You may not have enough employees to handle all of the packing and shipping tasks necessary to grow your business, but a 3PL company can provide these services for you instead.

This frees up time for your staff members to focus on other aspects of their jobs or allows them to take vacations without worrying about leaving orders sitting around without being picked up by customers.

Freight consolidation: A freight consolidator is an organization that coordinates shipments among multiple carriers so that each shipment travels with its own truck and driver instead

What Features Do You Need in a 3PL Company?          

 What Features Do You Need in a 3PL Company?

There are many different features you can look for in a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind.

1. Expertise: The most important feature to look for in a 3PL company is its expertise. A good 3PL provider will have extensive experience working with other companies that are similar to yours, so they know how to handle your specific needs.
2. They’ll also be able to handle any unexpected situations that come up and provide solutions that work for everyone involved.
3. Flexibility: Your business needs change over time, which means your 3PL provider should be flexible enough to adapt to those changes and provide new services as needed. You shouldn’t have to worry about finding another company when you need something new or different from what they already offer; your current provider should be able to accommodate all of your needs without any problems or additional costs involved

3PL Companies – FAQ        

 What is a 3PL company?

3PL stands for “third-party logistics.” It refers to a company that offers services like transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.

Can a 3PL help with warehousing?

Yes! A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you with warehousing needs. You can use these services if you need to store products temporarily or if you have excess space in your building and want to rent it out.

What other services do 3PL companies offer?

Depending on the size of your business, a 3PL may provide additional services such as transportation, inventory management and distribution. They can also help with returns processing, packaging and labeling needs for when goods are shipped overseas or sent back to their original source.

How does a third-party logistics provider differ from other types of providers?

There are many different types of providers that can help businesses ship their goods from one location to another. However, unlike some alternatives such as freight forwarders, who focus primarily on international shipments and customs clearance issues, a 3PL focuses on domestic shipments within the United States.

Why are third party logistics providers important in business? 

 Third party logistics providers (3PLs) are essential to businesses. They offer a wide range of services and have the expertise to help you succeed in your business.

What are Third Party Logistics Providers?

Third party logistics providers (3PLs) are companies that provide a wide range of outsourced logistics services. These companies can be either independently owned or part of a larger company.

They also come in all sizes, from small mom-and-pop businesses to large corporations with thousands of employees. The services they provide include everything from warehousing and transportation, to customs brokerage and crossdocking.

The Benefits of 3PLs

Why should businesses use 3PLs? The answer is simple: because they’re experts at what they do, which means you don’t have to hire an army of employees to manage your logistics process. Instead, you can focus on growing your business while still meeting strict deadlines and providing top-notch customer service.

Here are some other benefits:Cost Savings: Outsourcing your logistics process saves money by eliminating the need for expensive equipment and personnel, who may not have the expertise required anyway.

In addition, using 3PLs means you don’t have to spend time training new employees or maintaining complex systems

Which eCommerce businesses should use a third party logistics provider?          

 It is a common misconception that all eCommerce businesses should use a third party logistics provider. The reality is that only a particular type of business can make the most of this service.

The first thing to understand is that an eCommerce business can be either B2C or B2B. In other words, it can sell products to consumers or it can sell products to businesses (e.g., companies).

The second thing to understand is that there are two types of shipping services: ocean freight and airfreight. Ocean freight is used for shipments that take more than two weeks to reach their destination.

Airfreight is used for shipments that take less than two weeks to reach their destination.Thirdly, you need to understand how your customers expect their orders to be shipped.

This can be determined by asking them questions like: “Do you want your shipment delivered on Monday morning or Wednesday afternoon?” And “Do you want it delivered directly from our warehouse or directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse?”

Fourthly, if you choose an ocean freight service provider and they ship your items via airfreight then they will likely charge you an additional fee because they will be losing money on each item shipped this way (as opposed

What does excellent customer service when using a third party logistics look like?         

 When you’re using a third party logistics provider, there are many things to consider. And from the moment you sign up, you’re going to want to make sure that you are getting the best service possible.

So what does excellent customer service when using a third party logistics look like? There are several things that come into play when considering this question:

Knowledgeable representatives

A knowledgeable representative is one who can answer all of your questions and help you find out more about the services that your company offers. They should be able to explain how they plan on providing these services, as well as what they have to offer.

If they don’t have answers to all of your questions, it may be time to look elsewhere for help with your logistics needs.

Timely deliveries

Your business depends on timely deliveries, so it’s important that whoever you choose for this purpose provides them quickly and accurately every time. A good third party logistics provider will always meet deadlines with no exceptions. If they aren’t doing this consistently enough for your liking, then it might be time to consider switching carriers or working with another company altogether.

Competitive rates

The last thing any business owner wants is high shipping costs or

What is the supply chain industry?         

 The supply chain industry is the study, management, and operation of the flow of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer’s needs.

The supply chain is a dynamic network that includes all activities of a company required to plan, produce, purchase and deliver products and services that satisfy customers. The supply chain links a company’s suppliers, producers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers with each other and with its customers.

The supply chain can be divided into three main components:

Inbound logistics (IBL): This refers to all activities involved in procuring raw materials or parts from suppliers (inbound), processing them into finished goods (work in progress) and transporting them to the appropriate location for storage or sale (outbound).

Outbound logistics (OBL): This refers to all activities involved in distributing finished goods from warehouses or stores to retailers or consumers through wholesale channels.

Service logistics: This refers to all activities required to fulfill customer orders for services such as repair work or technical support by coordinating repair technicians’ schedules with service calls from customers who need help

Best 3PL Companies – Frequently Asked Questions

 3PL companies are logistics providers that specialize in moving goods from one location to another.

The best 3PL companies offer a wide range of services, including warehousing, transportation and order fulfillment. They can be invaluable for ecommerce sellers who have large inventories, complex logistics needs or want to focus on growing their business rather than managing shipping operations.

But before you sign up with a 3PL provider, it’s important to ask yourself some questions first. These will help you make sure your new partner is the right fit for your business.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about 3PL partnerships:

What does a 3PL company do? A third-party logistics (3PL) company handles all aspects of shipping and receiving orders from customers. They work closely with retailers, manufacturers and distributors to ensure that goods are delivered on time, every time.

Best 3PL Companies – Wrap Up

You may have heard the term “third-party logistics” or “3PL” and wondered what it means. A 3PL is a business that provides transportation and logistics services for other companies. It can be for your company’s own products or those of another company.

Why Use a 3PL?

Recapping, there are a couple of main benefits to using a third-party logistics provider and we’ve covered others earlier in the guide.

Reduced costs

A logistics company can provide customers with lower costs than they might otherwise be able to achieve on their own.

This is due to economies of scale (a larger volume of traffic results in lower shipping costs), as well as the ability to negotiate better rates with carriers.

Increased efficiency

A 3PL provider will often use more advanced technology than an individual shipper might have access to, which increases efficiency and reduces errors in shipments.

The use of specialized systems like barcodes allows them to track each shipment more easily and quickly than an individual shipper might be able to do on their own.

In addition, they may also have access to equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks that individual shippers may not have available at home base locations or when traveling out on the road for business trips.