Using Third Party Logistics, or 3PL solutions is a smart new trend in which companies use third-party businesses to outsource their logistics needs. Westset Logistics is a leading 3PL near the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and 30 minutes from LAX, (Los Angeles International Airport). Typically, logistic needs include transportation, distribution, warehousing, and/or fulfillment services. In recent times, we are seeing more and more requests for last mile commercial LTL trucking which we can also accommodate. Last mile LTL trucking is when consolidation and the final destination are critical, e.g. to a Walmart or final assembly facility.
3PL providers generally allow these services to be scaled to companies’ needs, depending on market conditions and customer demands. For example, we have expanded our dry foods warehousing to a new building in the city of Downey because of the needs of dry foods exporters, importers, and manufacturers. The agile nature of 3PLs is one of several reasons many companies in recent years have been switching to sourcing 3PL companies, including the “shrinking” number of trucking services, increased government regulations, and the booming economy.
As the demand for trucking services has increased, their capacity has decreased. Westset Logistics has strategically positioned its sister company, Total Transportation, and Distribution, to fulfill all trucking requirements in Southern California. Its last mile trucking service has been growing exponentially for all B2B requirements. Outsourcing to a 3PL like Westset Logistics, eliminates stress when it comes to government regulations, employment laws and issues around 1099 contractors, especially in the state of California.
Another reason 3PLs may be needed is to scale growth or transform manufacturing to the next level. Small and mid-size companies may find it difficult to manage to scale growth while handling all logistics operations in-house. It is one thing to get the purchase order; the next challenge is to deliver it to the customer. If the delivery is late, it could cost the company thousands if not millions of dollars! Understanding the supply chain is critical and understanding that last mile request is mandatory, because it can either make or break a business relationship. Westset Logistics is hands-on, we use a Warehouse Management System (WMS) which is cloud-based; we want our customers to have full transparency on all inventory and its movement.
The truth is, good 3PLs can help transform manufacturing for companies and ease the roadmap for growth and success. In order to take advantage of all of the benefits 3PLs can offer, it is important to choose the right 3PL partner for your company. In order to choose the right partner, several things need to be considered. Read our blog on how to choose a 3PL here.
At the end of the day, partnering with a 3PL is a great idea for all companies, small, medium, or large, in order to ensure scalability for the future and focus on running their business without the worry of handling logistics as well. The notion of last mile trucking or LTL trucking within the management of a 3PL can offer a significant, competitive advantage; a near guarantee for the perfect supply chain model. Get your RFQ by clicking HERE