What Is the Difference between a 3PL and Freight Forwarding?
There are many terms in logistics that can be easily confused if you’re new to the industry. Third-party logistics (3PL) companies and freight forwarding services are two terms that may seem to be interchangeable but are completely different in the world of logistics. Importing and exporting are key components of many businesses, and it’s important to know the difference between 3PL services vs. freight forwarding in order to make the best choice for your company. Keep on reading to find out about freight forwarders and 3PL providers in logistics so that you can make an informed decision. (more…)
How to Determine the Average Cost of Shipping and Handling
If you’re wondering how to figure out shipping and handling costs for your products, there are some important factors to consider. Product type, weight, dimensions, handling time and cost, customer location, and competition should all be considered before determining your average cost of shipping. Finding a middle ground between charging what benefits your business—and pleases the customers—is the mark you should strive for. Additionally, there are different ways to charge for shipping, and some may be more suitable to your target customers than others. (more…)
How to Speed Up Order Fulfillment
Whether you’re looking for a fulfillment company or are a fulfillment company looking to improve your procedures, there’s one thing you need to know: fast order fulfillment can make all the difference for your business. You can spend a ton of money on marketing and advertising, but the fact is that if customers are unhappy with your service, then your business won’t do well. The widespread use of social media has made it extremely easy for consumers to connect with each other, and give suggestions on who has not only the best products, but the best customer service. The faster...
Dealing with Common Errors in Product Fulfillment
In product fulfillment, failures can and will happen. While they may be impossible to predict, some are more common than others and can be easily prepared for. Be Thorough Many product fulfillment businesses think having an e-fulfillment service means nothing can go wrong, but the online aspects of a business are just as prone to error as the offline ones. (more…)
How to Improve the e-Commerce Customer’s Shipping Experience
Technology has allowed for dramatic improvements in e-commerce business and enhancements to supply chains and logistics have improved delivery performance for the big-box retailers like Walmart and Amazon. This has caused customers to begin wanting—and in some cases, expecting—a larger number of services when they engage in e-commerce. Meeting these expectations and desires is an excellent way to improve the e-commerce shipping experience, but understanding what to do and how can be tricky. This guide will break down some of the more common expectations among the modern customer, and then offer some e-commerce shipping best practices to help you develop...Drawbacks of Cross Docking
To understand the disadvantages of cross docking, it is important to firstly understand the purpose of the procedure. Cross docking takes products directly from a supplier or manufacturing plant to a customer or retail chain with little to no handling or storage time. Cross docking involves receiving products through an inbound dock, sorting and screening their end destinations, and then moving the products across the dock to the outbound transportation dock in a distribution terminal. Although cross docking saves warehouse real estate, reduces labor costs, and gets products to the customers faster, there are several disadvantages that wise retailers should...
How to Know if Your e-Commerce Order Fulfillment Is Failing
Do you suspect your e-commerce order fulfillment process of failing? Check for these four telltale signs— if you’ve observed more than one of them, it may be time to switch providers. 4 Signs Your e-Commerce Order Fulfillment Is Failing (more…)
How to Find a Fulfillment Provider via Request for Proposal (RFP)
When creating an order fulfillment RFP, or Request for Proposal, there are several key points of information you need to include. A third-party logistics (3PL) RFP can help you narrow down the best order fulfillment partner so that your warehouse management needs can be met. Sending an RFP is one of the best ways to find out what each company offers, what their corporate culture is like, and whether they can manage your fulfillment solutions. It also helps you clearly communicate between your company and potential partners so you can make the best and most-informed decisions. (more…)
10 Key Inventory Metrics for Small Businesses
Products come in and out, but you should be in control of that cycle at all times. And if you run a small business or fulfillment company, you have to; your success depends on it. If you’ve never given much thought to inventory metrics, here are 10 factors to take note of: (more…)How to Choose a Warehouse Management System?
Incorporating an efficient warehouse management system is an essential part of any company’s operations. Successfully managing packages at every point of the journey takes a cohesive system that involves many parts. But before any kind of warehouse management system can be implemented, a company must be aware of its needs. There is no blanket system that can fit all businesses. Each company has its own challenges and opportunities, and an effective management system will identify both. Choosing the right system is important, and there are ways to ensure you decide on a system that will enhance your business operations. (more…)
