A Career Path Hidden in Plain Sight: 3PL Warehousing
Why should logistics professionals consider a career in 3PL warehousing? Here are the benefits and one logistics company president’s story.
Packages arrive on our doorsteps at lightning speed. Consumers, oblivious to the supply chain at the dawn of this decade, now understand that their order sets in motion an array of high-tech, high-stakes systems. A network of logistics and warehousing operations lie behind the scenes. And that network needs tomorrow’s logistics professionals.
At the heart of this complex system are dedicated people who make it all possible: the 3PL warehouse workforce. This industry, now at a new level of awareness, is a hub of opportunity, offering stability, growth, and a chance to be part of something impactful.
The third-party logistics (3PL) industry is the backbone of our global supply chain, providing crucial services such as storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and so much more. As ecommerce and global trade continue to expand, the demand for skilled professionals in logistics and warehousing is on the rise.
There are real benefits of working in the 3PL warehouse industry. One industry leader, whose journey from an hourly team member to leading one of warehouse logistics’ prominent companies, serves as an inspiring testament to the opportunities within this field.
Why should logistics professionals consider a career in 3PL warehousing?
Job Stability and Growth Prospects
The 3PL warehousing industry is characterized by its robust growth, fueled by the increasing reliance on ecommerce and global trade. This expansion translates into high demand for skilled professionals and offers excellent job stability and growth prospects.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the warehousing and storage industry is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for almost all other occupations.
“After starting at Spartan as a temporary employee, I had been working for Spartan for four years [in 2006]. I had received an associate’s degree in business management and was eager to learn,” says President of Spartan Logistics Josh Ledford.
“This is when Ed Harmon, our chairman, recognized my work ethic and ability to develop relationships and offered me a position to run the sales department at our corporate office in Columbus, Ohio. He wanted to grow the business and needed someone with a strong operational background to drive sales and growth. I moved to Columbus and, from there, significant experiences, both good and bad, helped me grow into my position.”
Ledford’s story underscores the growth potential within the industry.
Diverse Career Paths
“There are many different career paths, depending on the type of company you are working for, and what their values are,” continues Ledford. “At Spartan, we value growth within our company; providing career paths for people who are not only excited about learning but willing to learn and grow within our organization.
“We’ve had several people come through roles such as customer service representatives and even executive assistants, that continue to make this their career. It all depends on the type of people, the drive they have, and their willingness to learn about our company and industry,” he says.
3PL warehousing offers many career paths, accommodating various skills and interests. From operations management, to IT support, safety and risk management, human resources, and real estate, the industry provides opportunities for individuals to find their niche.
Skill Development and Training
The 3PL warehousing sector is ripe with opportunities for skill development. Employees gain hands-on experience with advanced warehouse management systems (WMS), automation technologies, material handling equipment, and data analytics tools. Many companies also offer training programs to enhance employee competencies in areas like lean management, project management, and safety protocols.
Ledford adds: “My advice to anyone in the industry who is looking to grow in not only job responsibilities but grow their compensation is to be a team player. When there is a project going on, you want your name to be called. Never turn down the chance to be a hero. Collect as much knowledge in as many areas as you can. You want to make yourself as resourceful as possible with whatever opportunities come up. People with this mindset collect enough respect and merit to earn additional compensation and responsibility in this industry.”
Technological Advancements
Today’s world may not function exactly how the Jetsons predicted, but when you enter a modern warehouse, things are starting to look pretty similar. 3PLs live on the forefront of new technologies like automation, robotics, drones, and artificial intelligence. Logistics professionals work with emerging and evolving systems and equipment every single day, positioning them on the cutting edge of industry and global developments.
Employees in 3PL warehousing have the opportunity to work with advanced technologies, such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and AI-driven inventory management systems. These technologies not only improve efficiency but also provide employees with valuable experience in upskilling and getting their hands on the future.
Conclusion: Embrace the Opportunities in 3PL Warehousing
The 3PL warehousing industry offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to build a stable, dynamic, and fulfilling career. From job stability and diverse career paths to skill development, and more, the benefits are numerous.
Ledford’s journey from a temporary warehouse team member to the president of Spartan Logistics serves as an inspiring example of what is possible in this industry. His story and the industry’s inherent benefits make a compelling case for considering a career in 3PL warehousing.
“It is very simple,” says Ledford, “we continue to focus on our team first, which allows us to grow and lead in supply chain efficiencies for our customers. As a 3PL company, it is extremely important that we have a program to fuel our growth and sustainability through the continuous development of our team. We strive to encourage personal and professional growth throughout our organization, especially when we know core values and work ethic are exceptional.”
Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, the 3PL warehousing industry provides a pathway to an exciting and rewarding professional journey. If you’re ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it, the 3PL industry could be your ideal career destination.
If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities in the 3PL industry, reach out to us at www.IWLA.com. IWLA can put you in touch with warehouse businesses across North America.