A third-party logistics provider (3PL) is an organization that provides outsourced logistics services to businesses. These services can include transportation, warehousing, distribution, and other supply chain management functions. 3PLs offer a range of benefits to businesses, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and access to specialized expertise.
3PLs are also constantly innovating and improving the way they provide their services and how they can benefit organizations. Instead of playing by the book, 3PLs are instead thinking out of the box and coming up with new ways to improve themselves.
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Varied Income Streams
2022 saw 3PLs finding creative ways to offer new services in a bid to get new business as well as provide more value to previous customers. They did this by providing their clients with limited freight handling or by enabling them to focus on creating their products by picking their products and handling packaging for the same. They also utilized cross-docking services in order to use their space more efficiently.
In 2023, 3PLs will be focused on generating new revenue streams and providing more services to their customers. They will be utilizing integrated logistics systems and using softwares like CartonCloud to create a single point of contact for outsourcing all logistics needs.
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Direct Integration with Software
The ability to connect multiple systems in order to share data easily to facilitate daily operations will play a major role in 2023. It will be essential for 3PLs that are looking to expand and optimize their operations.
By facilitating smooth data transfer between systems, 3PLs can improve accuracy, simplify communication across workflows, and enhance customer service. Connecting warehouse and transport operations with partners and customer software will provide 3PLs with a new level of operational precision and enable them to provide stellar customer service.
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Automated Reporting
In the new year, 3PLs will be focusing on maximizing efficiency and saving time in all areas of their business. Automating reports, invoicing, and orders can significantly reduce the amount of administrative work for 3PLs, giving them more time to focus on other aspects of their business.
In 2023, data capture will be a key area of focus, with 3PLs seeking to capture thorough and accurate data in a streamlined manner. By utilizing a cloud-based software system like CartonCloud, 3PLs can automate the collection and use of this data, streamlining order reporting, processing, and invoicing.
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Improved Tracking of Packages
It is expected that the expectations for tracking will grow across all levels of supply chains. This can be done by providing all members of the supply chain with valuable data that can be generated in many ways. Software like Cloud Carton can let a team see the status of a shipment in transit, view the level of stock available in the warehouse and its movement, as well as receiving Electronic Proof Of Delivery, or ePOD, from the point of delivery and are excellent ways to generate valuable data.
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Thorough Understanding of Technology
As the logistics and supply chain industry continues to embrace digitization, we expect to see 3PL providers taking a deeper dive into the capabilities of their technology in 2023. These companies are seeking technology solutions that can handle multiple areas of their operations, streamline data and reporting, and make their lives easier.
They want to provide more value to their customers and are looking for ways that their software can help them save time and money and increase their output. They will use multiple areas and features of softwares like CartonCloud to boost productivity, accuracy, and output, as well as to free up more time for themselves by automating manual tasks.
Conclusion
The future of third-party logistics is set to revolutionize the industry as we know it. As the needs of businesses continue to change and evolve, 3PLs will adapt their services accordingly. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the needs of their clients, 3PLs can ensure that they remain a vital part of the supply chain for years to come.
