Advantages to Investing in an Integrated 3PL

Third Party Logistics Integration

A 3PL with an Integrated TMS means:

…you’re receiving integrated service and technology.

A partner 3PL should bring along with it state-of-the-art technology in the form of a multifaceted TMS that integrates seamlessly with your internal logistics team to form one cohesive unit. It contains the latest software options, adjustable to the way you’ve structured your logistics team and your business. A TMS that boasts an always-on team behind its core functions will bring no-maintenance-necessary functionalities that a typical 3PL cannot provide.

…you’re achieving true cost savings plus constant efficiency gains.

Because your 3PL and TMS are intertwined, they work together to maximize both savings and efficiency. A TMS will provide full visibility into your supply chain and your 3PL will take that information and work proactively on your behalf to improve the nuts and bolts of the entire system. They’ll look at accessorial charges, invoices, shipment classifications and more, investigating on your behalf and taking steps to correct what others have made wrong. How your 3PL does this is by mitigating and auditing carrier invoices to resolve discovered errors swiftly and efficiently.

 …visibility across your entire supply chain is improved.

Transportation management software brings some layer of visibility to your logistics operation, but a multifaceted TMS will provide modules for aiding your logistics team and other areas of your business. With an automated imaging module to house important shipping documents, a tracking module and the ability to generate reports, your TMS will provide full insight into the end-to-end status of shipments. Invoice analysis, rating and scheduling and other highly customized viewpoints allow multiple teams to access the information particular to their duties and perspectives.

…the provider is focused on digging deep and solving problems.

Investigating deep-set issues on your behalf consists of bold actions like going straight to a carrier and discussing corrective behaviors that can improve shipment outcomes – even when these relationships can get rocky. A 3PL that supplies you with trusted carriers and operates on a fully equipped TMS will help track down issues that were previously unsolvable by your customer service team. The TMS technology will reveal gaps across your supply chain and allow you and your 3PL partner the visibility to get to the root of everyday logistics problems.

…you have a logistics partner that is invested in your success.

Your 3PL should be fully invested in the operations and outcomes of your business, and you should drive your supply chain using a TMS that also reflects this united end goal. A third-party partner that is solely focused on securing cheap rates for your company will ignore all the other needs of your team. Form a true alliance with a logistics provider and transportation software that care about things like on-time delivery, undamaged shipments and carrier relationships. This type of 3PL will serve as a logistics advisor, giving you the status on important KPIs and talking with you about your options to better them. Their positivity will spread throughout finance, marketing, sales, customer support and all other facets of your business.

What else do you look for in a 3PL and advanced TMS? If you’re exploring the option of this dynamic duo, study more resources before taking your pick to see how their combination can provide better service than your typical 3PL. Download our eBook and contact TLI to learn more ways in which a 3PL and TMS software can clean up your entire logistics operation.