Blog

Kansas City is one of many markets that has experienced unprecedented industrial growth in the past few years due to the demand for warehousing. Additionally, KC has been a popular market for locating a warehouse for several reasons including:  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services, Supply Chain Strategy

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

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 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

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

With demand for industrial space increasing in the third quarter (57 million SF absorbed nationwide), more businesses than ever are looking for warehouse space. Whether companies are looking to outsource to a 3PL or to plant their own warehouse, determining the right location is the most crucial step. It can be the difference in how efficient and successful a business is. Here are the most important factors to consider in this process:  Read More

Topics: Rise of 3PL Services, Future of Logistics, Supply Chain Strategy

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