When choosing a Third Party Logistics (3PL) company there are several things you should look for to ensure that you are selecting the right logistics company.
Location is an important factor in selecting a logistics company. Is the location near interstate highways, industrial areas, railways, airports, sea ports? In addition, the actual facilities where your product will be stored should be inspected to be sure that there is enough available space, as well as sufficient dock doors for loading and unloading of your product.
Expansion capability may not seem important for your company today, but verify that your 3PL can accommodate your future needs in addition to your current needs.
If your product includes chemicals, it is essential that your 3PL provide a well-managed hazmat warehousing solution. Being ISO 9001:2000 certified is a good indication that your logistics company can handle your hazardous materials. If your product is food related, it is critical to ensure that your logistics partner has an A.I.B. Superior rating from AIB International.
Technology is an integral part to being a successful 3PL partner. Be sure that your 3PL has the technology that is compatible with your in-house technology and that their reporting capabilities are up to your company’s standards. Do they have EDI or RFID? Can you access your inventory online 24/7?
A logistics partner should be able to provide a number of value-added services, and clarifying those services before you select a 3PL can save a lot of headaches in the future. Does your logistics provider have the necessary equipment for marking, stuffing, ticketing, shipping, etc. ? If you are in need of Pick and Pack services, inquire about flow racks, scanning stations, conveyors, sealing machines, carton sealing and packing tables. Other equipment that should be considered includes pallet racking, forklifts, reach trucks, as well as the type of trucks the 3PL has on hand.
It is vital that there is a good form of communication established between you and your logistics company so that everyone will be able to stay on top of what’s coming in, what the quantities are, when it is coming, when it is shipping, etc. Make certain that you join forces with a logistics company that you can get the kind of communication that you will need whether it is through 24/7 technology or excellent customer service.
Does your 3PL offer a range of services, including special requests and rush orders? Check on the policy for overtime and 2nd/3rd shifts prior to entering a relationship with your 3PL so there are no surprises when your needs change in the future.
Some good questions to ask include what systems the logistics company has in place to deal with reporting, order processing, system limitations, integration and inventory control.
Entering into a partnership with a 3PL can generate huge cost savings for your company. Be sure to take advantage of this cost savings by clarifying that your partner has the right equipment, facilities, technology and services to meet your company’s needs.
Experience is the key to providing excellent logistic services. Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment will provide your company with the professionalism, commitment and experience you need with the dedication that you deserve.
For a smooth relationship and pleasant business experience, find a company that offers you a budgeting tool that will work within the parameters of your needs. For more information, visit www.freshwarehousing.com or call Vice President John Cusumano, at 618-482-8712.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, February 1, 2008
Pennies Can Make a Difference in Both Warehousing and Logistics. Build-a-Budget to Achieve your Budgeting Goals!
Our Build-A-Budget Tool is designed to guide you through the process of planning for warehousing, distribution and/or fulfillment services. This budgeting tool can be emailed to sales@freshwarehousing.com or call us at 618-271-5500, Extension 3006. We will work with you to design the most efficient logistics program to meet your objectives. We are flexible and creative. Our third generation firm will create the service to match your needs! We also have three other account management and vendor selection tools for your use. Feel free to try them out!
We offer flexible billing cycles to fit your accounting requirements, generally bi-monthly or monthly.
We offer flexible billing cycles to fit your accounting requirements, generally bi-monthly or monthly.
Monday, January 28, 2008
“Shuttle Me Locally” Said the Container Landing at the Fresh Warehousing Facility From China
Our No Hassle Shuttle Program creates a seamless road between your dock door and ours:
· Empty Fresh Warehousing trailers are left at your facility ready for fast shuttling.
· Fresh Warehousing trailers provide additional short term storage to assist in balancing inventories.
· Dedicated spotting services available.
No Hassle Shuttle Program, an extension of your facility!
Our shuttle program acts as an extension of the client’s existing facility. Special drop and hook rates and 24 hour trucking shuttle will ensure a smooth process flow and create an effective storage solution.
· Empty Fresh Warehousing trailers are left at your facility ready for fast shuttling.
· Fresh Warehousing trailers provide additional short term storage to assist in balancing inventories.
· Dedicated spotting services available.
No Hassle Shuttle Program, an extension of your facility!
Our shuttle program acts as an extension of the client’s existing facility. Special drop and hook rates and 24 hour trucking shuttle will ensure a smooth process flow and create an effective storage solution.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Distribution Center Budget Cost United States
Years ago, most, if not all, business was conducted via "The Old Boy Network." Handshakes sealed the deal after parties said, "Just charge me whatever." Those days are gone.
Our economy has gone global and people doing business do not want surprises at any part of the supply chain. They want and need a detailed cost driven logistic analysis that has a strict budget.
Third Party Logistics has become a catchword lately. Anybody can be a 3PL. Many firms are non-asset based, controlling the movement of containers from overseas manufacturers to ports to ships to U.S. ports to distribution points and, finally, the customer with an office and a laptop.
Many times, each facet of the transaction is outsourced. Piece by piece payments shine a detailed spotlight on costs.
The costs for warehousing and distribution services are especially critical for the process. Companies in charge of bringing the product in to this country need to know the cost to do so down to the last penny. That's what they tell the end user. That is where we come in.
Customers should have a budgeting tool, a way for them to know their costs from the time the product leaves the port until it arrives at its destination.
If a 3PL is going to provide warehousing and distribution services, either by paying someone else to do so, or providing it internally, they need to know exactly what they are getting/providing and how much it will cost. Everyone needs to understand the margin involved and there is nothing wrong with discussing it.
To ensure all parties will end up on the same page, they need to lay out their budgeting requirements before they make any other arrangements. I like to use the analogy of the patient and the dentist. The patient is in the dental chair and, just as the dentist is starting to drill, the patient grabs his hair and says, "We're not going to hurt each other, are we?"
That dentist is going to be upfront and say, "This might hurt a little, that may hurt a little, but we're all going to work for the same goal." If the patient does feel some pain after being assured there will be none, the dentist will also get hurt!
However, if the patient, (customer) knows that there will be some pain (costs) along the way, he can prepare. By establishing trust and eliminating the pain by putting everything on the table upfront, then the customer will be happy and reap the desired results.
Planning a workable budget is a good starting point to analyze your situation and establish a budget that agrees with both parties.
By getting all the information and prices upfront, you are avoiding "Budget Hiccups." In the old days, that was not such a big deal. Today, it could get someone fired or cause the loss of a customer.
If your 3PL quotes rates that are cheaper than other companies and you give them your business, and then at the end of the month they are losing money, what happens? They pass their losses on to you. BUT, and this is a BIG but, they have your product in their building, while your customers are relying on them to provide the service. Now, you are back in the dentist's chair.
The amount of freight coming into the country is growing. It is almost cheaper to buy steel overseas, pay someone to box it, pay someone to put it on a boat and ship it from China to California, then deliver it next door to the steel mill, then it is to buy it at the steel mill.
Think of all the containers of product being brought into this country that need to be handled/stored before going on to their destination. Many people do not want the headaches of managing and running a warehouse and will pay for such. If you do pay, or even provide, is important to know what you are getting for your money or what your costs may be. Without a complete understanding you are looking for trouble.
For a smooth relationship and pleasant business experience, find a company that offers you a budgeting tool that will work within the parameters of your needs.
For more information, visit www.freshwarehousing.com or call Chief Executive Officer John Cusumano, at 618-271-5500.
Our economy has gone global and people doing business do not want surprises at any part of the supply chain. They want and need a detailed cost driven logistic analysis that has a strict budget.
Third Party Logistics has become a catchword lately. Anybody can be a 3PL. Many firms are non-asset based, controlling the movement of containers from overseas manufacturers to ports to ships to U.S. ports to distribution points and, finally, the customer with an office and a laptop.
Many times, each facet of the transaction is outsourced. Piece by piece payments shine a detailed spotlight on costs.
The costs for warehousing and distribution services are especially critical for the process. Companies in charge of bringing the product in to this country need to know the cost to do so down to the last penny. That's what they tell the end user. That is where we come in.
Customers should have a budgeting tool, a way for them to know their costs from the time the product leaves the port until it arrives at its destination.
If a 3PL is going to provide warehousing and distribution services, either by paying someone else to do so, or providing it internally, they need to know exactly what they are getting/providing and how much it will cost. Everyone needs to understand the margin involved and there is nothing wrong with discussing it.
To ensure all parties will end up on the same page, they need to lay out their budgeting requirements before they make any other arrangements. I like to use the analogy of the patient and the dentist. The patient is in the dental chair and, just as the dentist is starting to drill, the patient grabs his hair and says, "We're not going to hurt each other, are we?"
That dentist is going to be upfront and say, "This might hurt a little, that may hurt a little, but we're all going to work for the same goal." If the patient does feel some pain after being assured there will be none, the dentist will also get hurt!
However, if the patient, (customer) knows that there will be some pain (costs) along the way, he can prepare. By establishing trust and eliminating the pain by putting everything on the table upfront, then the customer will be happy and reap the desired results.
Planning a workable budget is a good starting point to analyze your situation and establish a budget that agrees with both parties.
By getting all the information and prices upfront, you are avoiding "Budget Hiccups." In the old days, that was not such a big deal. Today, it could get someone fired or cause the loss of a customer.
If your 3PL quotes rates that are cheaper than other companies and you give them your business, and then at the end of the month they are losing money, what happens? They pass their losses on to you. BUT, and this is a BIG but, they have your product in their building, while your customers are relying on them to provide the service. Now, you are back in the dentist's chair.
The amount of freight coming into the country is growing. It is almost cheaper to buy steel overseas, pay someone to box it, pay someone to put it on a boat and ship it from China to California, then deliver it next door to the steel mill, then it is to buy it at the steel mill.
Think of all the containers of product being brought into this country that need to be handled/stored before going on to their destination. Many people do not want the headaches of managing and running a warehouse and will pay for such. If you do pay, or even provide, is important to know what you are getting for your money or what your costs may be. Without a complete understanding you are looking for trouble.
For a smooth relationship and pleasant business experience, find a company that offers you a budgeting tool that will work within the parameters of your needs.
For more information, visit www.freshwarehousing.com or call Chief Executive Officer John Cusumano, at 618-271-5500.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Best Value for Container Shipments for China & Orient/Mexico to STL, too!
When you check your pricing do you know what you are really paying to move your containers? Try out Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment for best values and see if you can beat our average price (based on December, 2007 rates) for a container…$1,000 from Los Angeles to our door in St. Louis, Missouri. A like shipment to Chicago would be $1,200 and to Memphis $1,050. Save the dollars…it even looks better for outgoing shipments. With our central U.S. location we can give you the very best LTL rates, fastest UPS and DHL deliveries, and a whole lot of savings to your bottom line!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bring Us Your Containers…All of your Shipments Because Intermodal Rails Converge on Fresh Warehousing…almost on our door step!
Our facilities are conveniently located next to the big 3 Intermodal rail hubs. Fresh Warehousing & Fulfillment provides superior Intermodal distribution services. We are UIIA Certified (Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Facilities Access Agreement Certified). We are certified for Intermodal access at UP, SCX, NS, BNSF Intermodal hubs.
Our fleet of trucks can pick up and return your containers. Our caring staff then warehouses, distributes & fulfills orders at rates you will find competitive. Great UPS, DHL, FedEx, rates and extremely competitive LTL rates seal the deal so Fresh Midwest can give you the competitive edge you need for lower costs and timely delivery!
Our fleet of trucks can pick up and return your containers. Our caring staff then warehouses, distributes & fulfills orders at rates you will find competitive. Great UPS, DHL, FedEx, rates and extremely competitive LTL rates seal the deal so Fresh Midwest can give you the competitive edge you need for lower costs and timely delivery!
Friday, January 18, 2008
St. Louis Named Number Two in Nation for Friendly Logistics
St. Louis was named the second-most logistics-friendly city in the nation based on its transportation infrastructure, according to a recent Expansion Management magazine study. Kansas City was ranked No. 1.
Expansion Management marries the informational needs of qualified site location executives with the marketing ambitions of economic development organizations. This occurs through the delivery of timely editorial content in print, on-line and in person.
The magazine compared 362 metropolitan areas on 10 major criteria related to logistics, or supply chain management: transportation and warehousing, work force, road infrastructure, road congestion, road and bridge condition, interstate highway, state fuel taxes and fees, railroad services, water commerce, and air cargo. Rounding out the top 10 in the magazine's listing were Atlanta; Houston; Dallas-Fort Worth; Cincinnati; Louisville, Ky.; Chicago; Cleveland; and Nashville, Tenn.
Expansion Management marries the informational needs of qualified site location executives with the marketing ambitions of economic development organizations. This occurs through the delivery of timely editorial content in print, on-line and in person.
The magazine compared 362 metropolitan areas on 10 major criteria related to logistics, or supply chain management: transportation and warehousing, work force, road infrastructure, road congestion, road and bridge condition, interstate highway, state fuel taxes and fees, railroad services, water commerce, and air cargo. Rounding out the top 10 in the magazine's listing were Atlanta; Houston; Dallas-Fort Worth; Cincinnati; Louisville, Ky.; Chicago; Cleveland; and Nashville, Tenn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
