The metal and steel shipping industry relies on 3PLs to improve their supply chain and shipping operations. Even companies with their own trucks or partnered carriers can benefit by partnering with a 3PL. This blog post will cover four ways that a metal and steel shipping company can benefit through partnering with a 3PL. First, is by providing the most up-to-date technology. Second, by coordinating the flow of materials through their facilities. Third, by reducing loading, unloading, and handling time. And last, by managing the risk of inconsistent service across local markets.
1. Avoid Disruptions in the Steel Supply Chain
Third-party logistics providers are able to utilize a diverse fleet of trucks and drivers to fill in load coverage gaps that steel shippers have in their own networks. As a result, the shipper is also able to avoid disruptions in their own supply chain and save you time and money. A 3PL could also be positioned to deliver goods where a shippers own trucks normally could not, giving them expanded shipping capabilities.
2. Take Advantage of Technology
The steel industry is a highly specialized and tightly regulated market that includes many smaller shippers and manufacturers. Because of their size, these businesses may not have access to all of the technological advances in shipping technology, making it harder for them to run an efficient operation. One solution that can help get around these limitations is outsourcing their shipping services to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. These organizations can provide access to proprietary technology that streamlines operations and results in faster shipping times.
Additionally, 3pls can offer advanced tracking services that enable steel shippers and manufacturers alike to see what’s happening with their shipments all throughout transit. These tools allow shippers to pinpoint problem areas that may be causing delays or other problems. As a result, they can speed up those processes, which brings us onto point 3.
3. Speed Up the Steel Shipping Processes
Many, if not all, metal and steel shippers have a goal of moving their processes faster and keeping everything streamlined. By partnering with a 3pl, these shippers have a capable party handling much of their shipping needs for them. This can free up time and resources for steel shippers, allowing them to focus on their business. Many shippers are able to save an average of 10 hours per week by outsourcing their shipping operations.
4. Improve Operational Efficiency
Improved efficiency isn’t just about reducing costs, but also about minimizing downtime. If you’re in an industry where even small periods of downtime can have significant implications for your clients and your business, then you need to have as much control over shipping and logistics as possible. A reliable 3PL will help do that, because they offer fast response times and are more likely to improve supply chain efficiency—which means smoother shipping and delivery processes all around. Plus, their technology allows them to quickly adjust routes and take advantage of rate savings in ways that independent shippers sometimes cannot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, metal and steel shipping operations can always be improved by utilizing a reliable 3PL. The benefits a 3PL offer are: avoidances in disruptions, technology, speeding up of processes, and improved efficiency. While finding a 3PL that fits within your operations may be difficult, it is 100% worth the time and effort.
If you are currently looking for a 3PL to help improve your supply chain operations then reach out to HTL Freight. We have been working in the industry for over 35 years and in that time have developed the processes to ensure a fantastic service. To get in touch you can check out our contact page. Additionally, to get started today you can request a freight quote.
