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November 15, 2011 | 3PL | Partnership

How to Evaluate a 3PL Partner

Shippers, carriers, and even small intermediaries increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) service providers to manage non-core logistics and supply functions, access capacity, and tap technology capabilities. 3PLs create value by pushing the envelope and helping customers reduce costs through tactical improvements, and enhance overall supply chain performance with strategic business process enhancements. Making the […]

September 15, 2011 | 3PL | Global Logistics

The Bright Side of Logistics in India

There is more to India’s supply chain scene than its transportation infrastructure shortcomings. APL Logistics’ David Frentzel shares insights from a recent tour of his company’s Indian facilities and meetings with shippers.

August 15, 2011 | 3PL | Retail

Enjoying the Perks of 3PL Order Management

All too often, the third-party logistics (3PL) sector views order management as an operations tool—a method of capturing and processing customer orders, optimizing them through the distribution network, and, finally, delivering goods to the customer. A more holistic view of this procedure includes client-side order processing, which presents opportunities to add value and profit, and […]

July 15, 2011 | 3PL

Using a 3PL: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

If you are using a 3PL for truck brokerage alone, you could be leaving money on the table. Why? Because logistics providers have evolved and developed an array of solutions that bring extra value to their customers. Fuel price increases, stringent regulations, higher taxes, sustainability issues, and government labor intervention add costs to transportation. All […]

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Close Encounters of the Third-Party Kind

There is no other issue in the transportation and logistics trade press that gets as up close and personal with the 3PL industry as Inbound Logistics’ annual July issue. Our yearly compendium of outsourcing case studies, thought leadership, market research, and 3PL awards presents a thorough representation of the market from both shipper and service […]

| 3PL | Supply Chain Management

3PL Capability is Key to Logistics Cost Reduction

MORE TO THE STORY: How to Find a 3PL-Third Party Logistics Provider Logistics, inventory and transportation costs continue to climb, according to the 2011 State of Logistics report released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). Although overall economic conditions improved slightly in 2010, internal supply chains continue to account for double-digit cost […]

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3PLs Save the Day

Just when a shipper needs help most, in steps a partner with super powers…

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3PL Perspectives 2011: The Power of Three

Inbound Logistics’ annual 3PL market research report reveals how the dynamic duo of shippers and 3PLs are responding to changing forces in the outsourcing industry.

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Readers’ Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2011

In the most harrowing circumstances, a true Super hero does not falter. Faced with the most gruesome foe, a super hero stands tall and does what others cannot. No matter how insurmountable the obstacles, a super hero makes it through. Smart businesses know the best way to defeat supply chain villains such as inefficiency, lack […]

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Does Size Matter? Tier II 3PLs Find Their Niche

3PLs, like shippers, come in many shapes and sizes. The “not-too-big and not-too-small” size of Tier II 3PLs makes them just right for many shippers.

June 15, 2011 | 3PL | Customer Service

Does Your 3PL Provide ‘Golden Rule’ Customer Service?

Outsourcing logistics can be hectic and stressful, especially if you deal with a provider more interested in the next shipment than the one en route right now. Imagine a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that does whatever it takes to fix shipping problems, believes there is no such thing as “just a transaction,” and whose drivers […]

May 15, 2011 | 3PL | Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

New Kids in Town: 3PLs Move Into the TMS Market

MORE TO THE STORY: Software House or 3PL? Addressing Your TMS Needs Changing the TMS Scene If you want to manage transportation in-house, you contract with a software vendor for a transportation management system (TMS). If you want to outsource, you ask a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to handle transportation for you. Those have been […]

February 15, 2011 | 3PL | Partnership

A New Day Dawns for 3PL Partnerships

Most logistics outsourcers today use an RFQ to select their 3PLs. But that model is outdated and ineffective. A handful of forward-thinking shippers and logistics providers are instead embracing a collaborative outsourcing method, with powerful results.

January 15, 2011 | 3PL | Partnership

Balancing Shipper and Carrier Interests

The past two years have been a roller coaster ride for both carriers and shippers. After the financial crisis, carriers dropped their rates to unprecedented levels. Service contracts locked in these non-compensatory rates, and volumes dropped precipitously. Ocean carriers took ships out of service, and capacity cuts were steep and drastic. The financial viability of […]

| 3PL | Last Mile Delivery

White Glove Services: Ask for What You Need

White glove service is one of the supply chain’s most complex specialty areas, encompassing everything from first- and final-mile value-added services, to delicate or high-value product handling. Because of white glove services’ specialized nature, shippers must define their specific requirements for these projects in their RFPs, and service providers need to thoroughly evaluate the scope […]

| 3PL | Supply Chain Management

Achieving Competitive Advantage: How the Right 3PL Partner Can Help You Dominate Your Market

In today’s marketplace, all too often there is a disconnect between 3PL performance and clients’ expectations. As established 3PL companies mature and less robust players continue to enter the market, the gap between client expectations and 3PL deliverables continues to grow. Most 3PL value propositions focus primarily or exclusively on a client’s financial performance. Profit […]

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Protect Your Supply Chain From Merger Mania

In recent months, several third-party logistics (3PL) providers have merged to form large conglomerates, and consolidation in the 3PL market is likely to continue. Although the trend is not new, the New Year is a good time for companies to take a closer look at 3PL relationships and consider how they impact supply chain performance. […]

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4PLs Take Control

Much like air traffic controllers, 4PLs guide transportation operations, manage product flow, and sometimes help avert disaster.

| 3PL | Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Gain: Call In the Experts

Outsource your way to a more efficient supply chain by selecting a knowledgeable and resourceful third-party logistics provider.

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Certifiable Results

SmartWay Partner. ISO. C-TPAT. Cargo Network Service. Cargo 2000. FAST. Logistics service providers attain a multitude of certifications, but what does it mean for shippers? Find out how providers qualify, and what you can gain from working with certified partners.

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