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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

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Topics: Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Supply Chain Strategy, Regional Distribution Center

Railways keep most industries moving, quite literally. Unloading rail cars in a warehouse setting need to be executed quickly and safely upon arrival, so they are well on their way. So How Does Spartan Logistics Unload Rail Cars While Reducing Risk and Improving Production? With a collaboration of Spartan's Warehouse Manager, a local vendor with a national equipment manufacturer account, and a Director of Maintenance at the Spartan corporate level — the overall solution agreed upon was centered almost exclusively around the safety and increased productivity of a high-end rotating clamp truck to unload 2-3 ton paper rolls from rail cars from the Fort Smith, AR rail access warehouse.  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News, Warehouses with rail capacity, Logistic Leaders

Tornadoes, floods, four-alarm fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a doomed reality for any business. In 2012 I experienced such a disaster while working for an industrial company with no emergency plan in place. Without much warning, a tornado ripped through the rural county leaving a 1/4-mile of destruction along the way. Employees were not alerted where to seek shelter or lockdown—it was complete chaos. I was told by company personnel…”The county was a low-risk area for tornadoes so we didn’t see the urgency in pre-planning for such a disaster.” It’s like watching the news and you’re thinking…that could never happen here. So How Do You Prepare? The following is a list of critical procedures to implement: Designate an emergency planning team Develop an emergency disaster plan Designate employees to perform key emergency leadership roles Practice as many of elements of your plan throughout the year Have a customer communications plan Document a list of emergency contacts Perfect a procedure to inform employees of an emergency A fully stocked first aid kit Up-to-date fire extinguishers A safe indoor/outdoor gathering point A list of equipment that is required to be shut down or secured Secure flammable liquids and tanks Make sure everyone has photo identification available— local authorities may only permit people who own property in a disaster-affected area. Plan to temporarily relocate inventory and equipment  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services, Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News, Logistic Leaders

With an upswing view of the reignited economy and the growing demand for diverse products, your supply chain network—manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers—face challenges like never before. In light of increasing freight costs, global complexities, more demanding customer service requirements, new e-commerce challenges and risk management considerations, it has never been more important to navigate and execute supply chain strategy/operations. Today's complex global business environment - with its rapidly advancing technologies, emerging world markets, and vastly extended supply chains, places increasingly critical decision-making demands on logistics professionals. In a world expanding global, the challenges of providing seamless supply chain solutions across geographical and cultural boundaries have continued to mount. Those who invest in Lean Supply Chain Management can improve a company's competitiveness and overall profitability by identifying warehousing, transportation and trade compliance, while at the same time eliminating waste and non-value added activities. Given that as much as 80% of the operating costs are in logistics—freight, labor and inventory—it is critical to have a better understanding of your supply chain strategy. It seems the 2019 theme is to continue building a supply chain network, working together to drive collaboration and reduce inefficiencies. It's important that both manufacturers and importers discuss better ways of communicating and sharing information with their partner retailers and distributors to help improve the customer experience. Many companies have expressed interest in exploring different ways of servicing the customer, looking to become agiler by stepping out of their comfort zone—those even recently investing in their own manufacturing facilities, allowing them to be more flexible in their strategic decisions. Food & beverage manufacturers are examining the possibilities of setting up one or more distribution centers for limited shelf life items, which will allow them to provide better service to their customer base and help reduce overall transportation costs. As new regulations hit the transportation industry, a common topic of discussion is how to better navigate the new Supply Chain landscape to continue to service customers more effectively; while proactive shippers continue to search for viable 3PL warehouse distribution centers to allocate inventory in markets closer to their customers, in an overall effort to mitigate delays.  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services

Any growing business must inevitably evaluate its fulfillment process from time to time. Beyond fulfillment, many companies that want to scale growth or transform themselves to compete in the world of manufacturing and e-commerce, typically turn to a 3PL provider. The reasons behind this are simply because most small or midsize companies don’t have the resources or what it takes for successful supply chain redeployment – such as the in-house experience, WMS (Warehouse Management Software), or seasoned labor support to effectively make it happen. Third-party logistics providers typically have a network of operations including warehouses, mobile handling equipment, a truck fleet, and experienced warehouse forklift operators and pickers/packers.  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Fulfillment Services