It’s Small Business Week! There are more than 1.1 million small businesses in Canada. At one point in time, every great company was a ‘small business’ – it just takes a great team and the right strategic moves to continue to grow your business.

One of those strategic moves could be outsourcing your company’s logistics to a third party. Businesses, especially smaller operations, often don’t realize the benefits of outsourcing supply chain management and logistics to a quality 3PL. With a wide array of business models in the logistics industry, 3PLs can offer one or two services, such as transportation & distribution, or a bundled enterprise logistics solution that includes all aspects of supply chain management. A 3PL provides businesses with reliable logistics advantages and maximizes profitability through combined knowledge and resources.

Here are some of the ways working with a 3PL can help your small business grow:

Network:

3PLs have a vast network of resources available that allow each step of the supply chain to be executed in the most efficient, cost effective way. They can leverage relationships and industry experience, which results in lower overhead and the largest range of service offerings designed to meet your changing needs. Choosing a 3PL allows your company to benefit from resources, knowledge & experience typically unavailable in-house.

Savings:

Outsourcing logistics will save time and money for your small business. Using a 3PL eliminates the need to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation and staff to execute the logistics process. 3PLs allow your business to build a global logistics network in less time with lower risk and higher return. Additionally, 3PLs save operational and transactional time by handling paperwork, customs documentation, audits, staffing, and other needs required to move goods. 

Knowledge:

Quality third party providers are top of their craft. From industry trends, to applicable legislation and best practices, 3PL providers stay up to date with the latest developments in technology, manufacturing and logistics. They utilize state-of-the-art software for supply chain visibility, transportation management and inventory control. Outsourcing logistics to a reliable, seasoned 3PL allows your small business to focus on its core competencies while leaving the rest to the experts.

Scalability and Flexibility:

3PLs allow their clients to scale space, labour and transportation according to needs. If your business has seasonal periods, you can enjoy stress-free transitions between industry ups and downs, having the ability to utilize more space and resources when needed. If your company wants to penetrate a new region or country, the 3PL eliminates barriers to expansion while seamlessly supporting growth into these markets.

Continuous Optimization

3PLs have resources at hand to be flexible and scalable to ensure your needs are met. A 3PL should utilize the latest technology and systems to make sure your shipments arrive in excellent condition in the right place, at the right time. Your 3PL should assist you in resolving issues and help your business establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress and adjust processes for your desired results. They can also provide you with business intelligence to analyze performance, eliminate inefficiencies and streamline the supply chain.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today to talk about how outsourcing your logistics will help you grow your small business.