expert tips from the pros
Tip: Be Partnership-Minded – Rates are all about partnerships, not individual transactions. Partnering with an experienced 3PL provider can be beneficial as it allows you to leverage their volume for discounted rates and programs not readily available to lower volume shippers. This, in turn, frees up more of your time to focus on things like marketing and sales or product research and development.
Tip: Be Close to Customers – The vast majority of the US population resides east of the Mississippi. In a national Direct-to-Consumer campaign you are closer to more customers if you’re on the east coast. Consider the alternative. If your fulfillment location falls in a western state, such as California, the vast majority of your packages (typically 70%-80%) will ship over the Rockies to eastern points. Longer distances, crossing more freight zones means higher costs and longer delivery times.
Tip: Transportation Management System – Sophisticated Fulfillment Providers have logic-based technology that lower shipping costs by determining the optimal shipping carrier and method in order to accomplish the client’s goal, on a package-by-package level. For example: Your goal is to get a package to a consumer in 2 days, a logic-based system can analyze the time in transit via Ground before automatically selecting a 2-Day Air service, yielding significant savings.
Need more advice?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive updates geared towards improving customer experience
Follow the a2b Blog
Read These Helpful Hints Below and Bookmark our Blog to Keep Up to Date with Recent Industry Trends!
When Hiring a 3PL – Experience Matters
Are you thinking of hiring a 3PL Provider to tackle your logistics? There are several things to consider and questions to ask potential providers.
Scalability in your fulfillment plan
You need to establish a fulfillment plan that works best for your volume and anticipated growth. But who do you choose? This article explains your options.
technology that drives order fulfillment
Technology drives everything in today’s fulfillment operation. Here, we breakdown a list of your most common technology functions in the Fulfillment space.
Seeking a fulfillment partner?
Since 2001, a2b has earned the trust of hundreds of brands through our specialized, outsourced model. By combining advanced technology, modern and scalable infrastructure and strategic locations we ensure successful back-end processes that for our clients, means happier customers. Reach out to us today to see how a2b can help you deliver an exceptional customer experience!