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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchasing a warehouse or leasing warehouse space for your company can provide you with many different benefits: It can give you a place to store overflow at your facility You can build inventory off-site Allow you to access storage for the products you sell frequently. If you don’t have the capital at this time, scroll down to Consider partnering with a 3PL. Before you decide to obtain a warehouse, consider the following:  Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News, Regional Distribution Center

Everyone is reacting to the Covid-19 virus and the uncertainty and stress of the resulting changes are making us all fearful. Take a deep breath and remember our priorities: Care for people and prevent the spread of any illness Provide for continuity of operations to service customers Minimize financial impacts to employees, customers, and our operations. Internally, Spartan Logistics will take all conceivable actions to protect and inform our team and their families.Once this is accomplished, we have an obligation to consider the impact the virus has on our customers and how we can assist them. Major retailers such as Apple have reported that a prolonged outbreak could interrupt its supply chain, while Amazon has expressed concern that it won’t be able to import enough inventory to meet its annual Prime Day obligations. As one of China’s four central railway hubs, a virus outbreak quickly spread along the supply chain to the rest of the world, with outbreaks in 47 countries. Nearly 95% of Fortune 1000 companies are experiencing supply chain distruptions due to the rippling effect of the virus. Companies of less than 100 employees are likely going to be effected as well, seeing delayed goods, unfulfilled orders and unpaid invoices.  Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News, Regional Distribution Center

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