International Shipping
Moving things from one place to another is as old as humanity itself. Ever since the first humans set foot on earth, we have always needed to move things around, carry them with us, or have asked someone to do it for us. Over the years, this became a business, and today, products are being shipped around the world.
In today’s world, buying something from a different country is easy. You buy something online, and it arrives at any location in this world. Also, if you are a seller, you have the capability of selling your products globally. To do so, you need a reliable Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider capable of handling large volumes and efficient because if your products don’t reach customers, your business fails.
So, what should you look out for when choosing a 3PL provider? Should cost be a concern or efficiency? We break it up, helping you pick the right provider to help grow your business.
Warehouse locations
The most obvious — look where the warehouses are located, as it directly affects pricing. Before pin-pointing on a provider, look at what you sell, where your customer base is; if you ship by land, air, or sea. Look for providers who have warehouses across the country and preferably close to the coast because shipping is the most affordable way.
Once you factor in these, now pick a service provider that has warehouses accordingly. Choose something that suits your shipping methods, but is also close to your business location as it saves transportation costs.
WMS
Every 3PL provider will offer you a Warehouse Management Software (WMS) to manage your stock. These are customized to meet particular demands, which, at times, can get complicated and may become a hassle to use or to understand.
Look for a WMS that is easy to use, can be accessed across devices such as a mobile or a tablet. Look for features that integrate all the services in one application, and speak to an engineer to see if the software can be further customized to suit specific needs.
Discounts
The most obvious — look where the warehouses are located, as it directly affects pricing. Before pin-pointing on a provider, look at what you sell, where your customer base is; if you ship by land, air, or sea. Look for providers who have warehouses across the country and preferably close to the coast because shipping is the most affordable way.
E-commerce integrations
Most 3PL service providers offer E-commerce integration platforms for Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, and many more popular brands. But what if you have a custom platform? Can they integrate that too? This is a question you need to ask the service provider you pick because if they don’t, it does not help your business.
Additional requirements
After Considering The Points Above, Think Of What Extras You Need, Such As Accessibility, Space For Storage, Insurance, The Safety Of Your Products, Etc., To Make A Decision. Also, Look Out For Hidden Charges And Preferably Opt For A Service Provider Who Has The Pricing Upfront And, If Possible, Check If They Offer Custom Quotes Because Every Business Is Unique And One Size Does Not Fit All.
Conclusion
Keeping various business requirements in mind, Fulfillment Hub USA has evolved its business to suit you. We have warehouses across the country and close to the ports, our WMS keeps all your work in one place with the versatility needed, we can help integrate custom platforms, offer you the pricing upfront, customize tariffs for your business, and most importantly, pass on the discounted rates to you. Get in touch with your requirement, and we might just have the best deal for you.
You made a good point when you said that choosing a provider that has warehouses across the country could provide the most affordable shipping services. This is something that business owners must consider, especially if they both need warehousing and transportation services for the delivery of their products to their clients. I could imagine how your tips could help a company to save money and find the best deal.