Spartan Logistics Blog | Nick Harmon (2)

Defining an asset-based 3PL

by: Nick Harmon on 10/19/2022

Third-party logistics companies (3PL) are often discussed as all doing the same service using similar methods. Many think that when there are changes in the real estate market, labor costs, or equipment pricing, it has the same effect on the entire industry. However, two different 3PLs can often perform the same service, but be structured very differently and have contrasting strengths and weaknesses. Read More

Topics: Common 3pl Questions, Rise of 3PL Services, Supply Chain Strategy

How 3PL's Should be Maximizing Their Warehouse Capacity

by: Nick Harmon on 08/23/2022

As warehouse capacity across the U.S. is shrinking rapidly, with under four percent vacancy nationwide, the lack of space left many 3PLs wondering how they can continue to grow. As a result, how a logistics provider utilizes the warehouse space they have is crucial. Read More

Topics: Customer Service Lessons, Supply Chain Strategy

The Benefits of Shared Warehousing

by: Nick Harmon on 07/25/2022

Finding warehouse space has never been more difficult than it is currently in many major markets, as vacancy rates have hit record lows throughout the nation. One solution businesses looking for outsourced logistics are increasingly turning towards is public warehouse space, or shared warehousing. Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services

The Importance of Property Management in your Warehouse

by: Nick Harmon on 06/20/2022

Whether you own industrial property, are considering purchasing a warehouse, or are involved with industrial real estate, property management is an important service to be familiar with. Read More

Topics: Diminishing Warehouse space, Industrial Real Estate Market, Supply Chain Strategy

Shadow Space- What is it and Where is it Found?

by: Nick Harmon on 05/19/2022

While the supply of warehouse space throughout the country remains low, it is a misconception that the total vacancy rate represents the sum of the space available in a given market. The term "shadow space" refers to space that a tenant is leasing, but is not currently utilizing. In most cases, shadow space occurs when: Read More

Topics: Diminishing Warehouse space, Future of Logistics, Industrial Real Estate Market, Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News

How real estate selection fits into corporate strategy

by: Nick Harmon on 03/15/2022

The cliché of “location, location, location” applies in industrial real estate as much as commercial or residential, but what factors you bundle into that assessment are vastly different. A smart company on the hunt for a site should be asking whether a proposed site will support their business goals, and should be aligned with corporate strategy. Read More

Topics: Industrial Real Estate Market, Supply Chain Strategy

Indianapolis- The Crossroads of America

by: Nick Harmon on 02/17/2022

The Crossroads of America sounds like the perfect place to have logistics capabilities and is just part of the reason why Indianapolis has grown to what it is today. It is now the 16th largest city in the US and the third-largest in the Midwest, behind only Chicago and Columbus. Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services

Industrial boom continues through late 2021, and beyond

by: Nick Harmon on 01/20/2022

We’ve all seen how the Covid-19 pandemic gave the industrial real estate sector the push it needed to go from well-poised to interstellar. Now research from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association suggests there will be no slowing down for the industrial market in the upcoming year. Read More

Topics: Diminishing Warehouse space, Industrial Real Estate Market, NAI Harmon Group

The Value of Customer Service

by: Nick Harmon on 03/03/2021

Today, supply chain functions cover a wide range of objectives. These are typically centered on the growth of the business and most importantly, customer service. In warehouse storage and distribution, the core of customer service is forming a relationship that customers want to sustain over time. We all expect great customer service, so what are we doing to provide it? Read More

Topics: Customer Service Lessons, Rise of 3PL Services

The Importance of Inventory Accuracy

by: Nick Harmon on 01/13/2021

Inventory management affects a 3PL’s business at all levels and can make or break an operation. There are a number of events that can cause errors in your inventory including a mistake in the warehouse management system (WMS), a poorly laid out warehouse, or an employee error. The 3PL industry standard is 97 percent accuracy, which would be the equivalent of scoring an A+ on every single test. This seems impossible, but can be done with a few simple practices. So why is it important to be this precise and live up to this high standard? Read More

Topics: Customer Service Lessons, Supply Chain Strategy