How to Stand Out as a 3PL Warehouse 

It’s becoming more challenging to stand out from the crowd as a 3PL warehouse. Businesses have more options than ever for their warehousing needs, including a growing number of 4PLs and 5PLs offering services at a granular level. If you want to be the most appealing 3PL, you can use these warehouse management tips to set you apart. 

Establish Trust With Vendors 

As a 3PL service provider, you need to prove you are trustworthy. Your ability to create positive customer experiences for the brands you represent is essential to building long-term relationships. Because consumers have increasingly high expectations for their online shopping experiences, third-party logistics companies have to demonstrate their commitment to superior B2B experiences with 100% dependability.  

When you achieve the highest level of service, checking every box for deliverables, you build a reputation that can be proven with data to back up your efficiency. A 3PL warehouse management system allows you to develop exceptional reporting practices, improved transparency, and responsiveness to resolving customer problems.   

Leverage Expert Software to Deliver Advanced Data Analysis   

3PL service providers that understand their expertise lies in logistics, not IT, rely on specialized software to deliver exceptional data and reporting for their customers. Finding a suitable partner to improve your data analysis and reporting capabilities allows you to focus on your core competencies while delivering what customers want today: Data. 

Having easy-to-access data provides valuable insights and efficiency improvements through every stage of the supply chain.  Real-time optimizations pay off big time when you use big data to: 

• Forecast future orders 
• Manage deliveries 
• Facilitate returns 
• Track inventory 

• Minimize costs 

Create a Niche of Focused Services 

Competing with major transportation-focused players like FedEx and UPS Supply Chain services becomes more manageable if you create a niche for yourself. Although Amazon and Walmart Marketplaces have created third-party fulfillment solutions, including “drop ship” services, you can still specialize in services that set you apart. Determine where you can bring the most value in the supply chain, whether it is transportation expertise, distribution, or efficient storage to find your specialty or focus on a specific industry. For example, cold storage fulfillment is experiencing growth which is expected to continue over the next three years. You can also offer customized solutions such as kitting and packaging with high-end fulfillment services targeting niche and boutique brands. 

Profit-sharing to Retain and Motivate Top Talent 

Competition isn’t limited to customers. You also compete to attract and retain top talent. Profit sharing not only attracts workers but also keeps them motivated as they are literally invested in the company’s success. Workers who are traditionally paid hourly wages often fail to see the value of the work they perform. However, they become more entrepreneurial in spirit when they understand the quality of work they produce directly impacts their earnings. 

Using an Inbound Marketing Approach 

B2B inbound marketing focuses on education and problem-solving over the stretch of a customer’s buying journey. This makes it sustainable, allowing you to nurture higher-quality leads through personalized marketing. Inbound marketing tactics help build trust and provide relevant information at the time the lead needs it most. You slowly convert leads into customers by just “being there,” so when the time is right, they choose you. Inbound marketing allows you to: 

• Generate quality leads based on the content they engage in 
• Nurture leads throughout the buyer’s journey 
• Enjoy cost savings that allow you to grow your budget as you convert more leads and improve profitability 

Having Competitive Cybersecurity Protocols 

As mentioned, creating a trustworthy brand is key to attracting new customers. As a 3PL fulfillment provider, you have access to critical data. Proven cybersecurity expertise is a must to convince a client they can turn over their sensitive information with confidence. Using leading-edge cyber protection plans and software will stand out from providers using outdated or lax procedures that put information at risk. 

Highlight Expertise 

Expertise separates a good warehouse from an exceptional warehouse. 3PL best practices that help establish expertise include: 

• Traceability: Customers want to track goods at all stages, 24/7. State-of-the-art warehouse management systems provide complete visibility and traceability with at-a-glance tracking and reporting. 

• Advanced 3PL Technology: 3PL technology reduces costs through improved efficiency and reduction in human errors. Using scanning devices and wireless connectivity throughout the warehouse reduces the number of steps to create an order. Integrated systems that work with ERPs, carrier software, marketplace platforms, shopping carts, etc. create a secure, collaborative environment creating accountability throughout the entire supply chain. 
• National or Global Access: Global access allows your customers to remain scalable. When the time is right, they can expand to international distribution, knowing you will get their products safely and efficiently delivered around the world. 

Of course, these tips aren’t as effective if you lack a business plan and strategy. Armed with objectives, you can use these tips to attract the right customers to grow your business. 

We’re Here to Help

Fulfillment software is designed to help you work smarter. It’s meant to take away some of the pressure of running a successful warehouse so you can focus on making the big decisions. 

At VeraCore, we believe in proactive planning, which is why we’ve made it a point to create a smart fulfillment platform that makes running a successful 3PL easier, not more complicated. Our solution gives 3PLs like yours the ability to plan proactively and automate your processes so that your software works for you and not the other way around.