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When a customer outsources their transportation to a third-party logistics (3PL) company, they has several different options on which method of freight to use. Choosing the right system is crucial for both the customer and the provider to run an efficient operation. Each method comes with different costs, time, and effort required. Therefore, each company needs to understand the transportation options available through a 3PL. Full-Truckload (FTL): FTL are shipments of freight which are loaded to either a trailer’s maximum capacity or maximum weight. This method is common for businesses with large shipping volumes (typically above 20 pallets) who are looking to maximize their product per truck. FTL service also ensures that your product is the only one on the truck and is delivered on time. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): LTL is any shipment of freight which does not require use of an entire trailer. For businesses with smaller volumes, (1-10 pallets per truck) LTL shipments are beneficial. Another benefit of LTL shipping is many 3PL’s will combine multiple LTL customers into one truckload, which saves costs on the use of trucks. However, this method can result in shipments which arrive late because a driver then has multiple stops to make in one trip. Intermodal: Intermodal shipments consist of freight which is moved by using two or more modes of transportation. One common application of intermodal shipping is product that is transported by rail or boat, but the warehouse is in a site which neither are easily accessible. The freight must then be moved by truckload to the site where it will be delivered to the final destination. Businesses typically don’t prefer to move freight this way because it is more expensive and requires multiple carriers, but it is often necessary for longer distance trips. Over-the-Road (OTR): OTR transportation is freight which is carried over long distances, typically by FTL. It requires significant time and cost to move when a business utilizes a warehouse far from the final shipping destination, but allows a driver to be fully dedicated to the truck and its security. We have a vested interest in bringing you the most efficient transportation services. We want to make it our business to make you successful. To learn more about Spartan's transportation and logistics and Services, contact our sales team.  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services, Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Intermodal transportation

As the economy begins to rebound from an extended shutdown, the need for warehouse space is only going to increase. This increase can be primarily attributed to a move away from traditional retail and toward order fulfillment centers. However, it is not often that 90,000 square feet of quality warehouse space with easy rail access comes available. The vacancy rate for industrial property in the Toledo market remains very low at 4 percent, indicating a shortage in warehouse space. As a result, manufacturers may struggle to find space to store their products and will look to locate a 3PL provider.  Read More

Topics: Warehouses in Toledo Ohio, Rise of 3PL Services, Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Warehouses with rail capacity

Warehouse managers have been forced to change many of the procedures they operate by over the past two months due to COVID-19. From sanitation guidelines to interrupted supply chains, 3PL companies have had to adapt to the changing times. These events have led to significant delays in operations and some decline in the overall business. However, as we move into this post coronavirus world, the demand for warehouses is expected to surge for several reasons.  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services, Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Future of Logistics, Logistics News

Some days this feels like the best of times for those who operate logistics companies and who operate industrial real estate, but the worst of times for those looking for a bargain on warehouse space. There has been significant economic growth, and the U.S. industrial market continues to expand. Nationwide, warehouse vacancy decreased to 4.3% in the first quarter of 2019. This is near the lowest this number has been since this data began to be tracked in 1980. In certain markets, it is even lower, sometimes just a few properties. Moreover, the Class A and B space was the first to be absorbed; much of what is currently available is Class C and D, and these are mostly 50-year obsolete properties and shuttered manufacturing plants. In response to this trend, new warehouse construction is going through the roof, with 258 million square feet in new space under construction, the majority of which are speculative buildings. However, this supply of new warehouses is still less than current demand. Are you challenged to find high quality warehouse space and service providers where and when you need them? Spartan Logistics has been planning for this day for 30 years.  Read More

Topics: Diminishing Warehouse space, NAI Harmon Group

As the economy continues to prosper, e-commerce sales have become a way of life and manufacturing production overruns are becoming increasingly familiar. So where do you turn? You could consider an expansion to the existing property or locate a 3PL warehouse to store 50,000-100,000 square feet of production overruns as inventory and manage it for you. It’s not often that industrial property with >100,000 square feet is readily available. Q1 2019 saw a slight uptick in vacancy rate to 5.0 percent—so all eyes are on leasing activity now. Spartan Logistics customers reach out knowing our unique expanded 3PL services include our affiliation with NAI Harmon Group of Toledo, OH, and Logan Creek Construction of Oregon, OH. Having these resources gives Spartan Logistics an opportunity to differentiate and locate available industrial real estate options for our potential and existing customers with a diverse portfolio of commercial property all across the US.  Read More

Topics: Warehouses in Toledo Ohio, Industrial Real Estate Market, Supply Chain Strategy, Regional Distribution Center, NAI Harmon Group

I have heard about the family logistics business for as long as I can remember. I've heard my parents and grandparents come home and talk about the latest successes or failures of the company. I never really understood what they were discussing and wasn't always interested at such a young age. All I cared about was sports and being outside with friends. My Summer Internship: My name is Nick Harmon and I will be a sophmore, majoring in Business at Mount Vernon Nazerene University in Mount Vernon, OH. This summer I was given the opportunity to intern at my family's business—Spartan Logistics in Columbus, OH. They are a third-party logistics (3PL) logistics company, family owned and operated since 1988. They've grown from a small, regional public warehouse and distribution provider, to a logistics company with 13 strategically placed locations throughout North America. Typical Responsibilities on the Job: Over the summer, I was tasked with working on financial projection spreadsheet projects, assisting in marketing functions, and also hands-on experience in the warehouse. I accompanied my Grandfather on business trips and meetings. All of these opportunities have truly changed the way I view the business and the business world. It has made me appreciate how important the family business is to so many people, and has helped me gain insight into what a successful business should look like.  Read More

Topics: Logistics Internship

In the fast-changing world that is today's supply chain landscape, learning the difference between the different types of logistics companies can be quite confusing. While each type of logistics provider serves a specific purpose, it's important to remember that there are varying degrees of expertise and capabilities among each.  Read More

Topics: Common 3pl Questions

Some days this feels like the best of times for the those who operate logistics companies and who operate industrial real estate, and the worst of times for those looking for a bargain on warehouse space. Despite moderate economic growth, the U.S. industrial market continues to expand. Nationwide, warehouse vacancy decreased to 9.2%-in the first quarter of 2016. This is the lowest it has been in 15 years. In certain markets, it is even lower, sometimes just a few properties. Moreover, the Class A and B space was the first to be absorbed; much of what is currently available is Class C and D- mostly 50-year obsolete properties and shuttered manufacturing plants. National warehouse and distribution center demand is running from between 225 million and 230 million square feet per year lease, while new supply remains at roughly 165 million square feet. Are you challenged to find high quality warehouse space and service providers where and when you need them? Spartan Logistics has been planning for this day for 25 years.  Read More