A 3PL provider is defined by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals as; ‘A firm which provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or “bundled” together by the provider.’

To maintain a competitive edge, a 3PL ideally has expertise in all aspects of warehousing, distribution, international freight forwarding and customs broker services plus a reputable customer service team. When you engage a 3PL, you ideally gain a solution that optimises your operation meaning you don’t need to worry about the performance of your logistics chain. Their whole value proposition is based on developing an integrated logistics solution which includes 3PL warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding and customs brokerage.

Read on to learn how a 3PL can give you a full package in managing your logistics needs.

As a manager charged with organising freight and or logistics, staying up to date on the sea freight Australia import market can be challenging. Many international freight forwarders and 3PL providers don’t keep their customers informed. Every year we speak with hundreds of companies that are looking for not only reliable and efficient freight forwarding and 3PL solutions, but knowledge and education on 3PL and international freight forwarding. It is important to be informed as a freight forwarding and 3PL customer so that you can work with your freight forwarder to secure the best and most economical services for your shipments.

Over 90% of global trade is supported by goods that are sent via sea freight services where logistics and shipping managers are highly accountable to achieve fast, cost effective sea freight services. Although experienced at managing freight and logistics operations, there are many things to consider that may be overlooked when they are investigating sea freight services with 3PL freight forwarders.

These handy tips can have huge impact on the service delivery and associated costs of sea freight services that you are paying for. Particulars like vessel routing, a deep understanding of incoterms, choice of loading and unloading port, precise shipping methods and correct documents/information are a consideration for any smart business requiring sea freight services.

BCR is an international freight forwarder and 3PL provider focused on improving results for our customers.

Each month we inform our freight forwarding customers and 3PL blog subscribers on changes within the sea freight Australia market so they can make informed decisions regarding their imports.

Read on for a quick sea freight industry update on North East Asia, South East Asia, United States and Europe trade lanes.

A third party logistics provider is built on the foundation of strong human resources who are experts in the logistics field. Having worked with different customers they develop diverse knowledge of various supply chains and best industry practices, thus delivering superior operational experience and service levels.

By engaging a third party logistics service provider, you move away from day-to-day operational activities, and free up your time and energy to focus on strategic initiatives. 

Read on to know more on how you can manage your resources more strategically by outsourcing to a third party logistics provider.

As a successful retailer, you continually focus on improving your supply chain. Of all your supply chain aspects, it is ideal to prioritise the area that plays the most critical part in running it efficiently and smoothly - your warehouse.  

Having your products kept in an efficient and organised warehouse equates to better availability of products on shelves, increased sales and higher levels of customer satisfaction while keeping the costs low.

These benefits are easy to achieve when outsourcing to a 3PL Sydney as they have the necessary knowledge and capabilities to do it for you.

Read on to learn the benefits efficient and organised warehousing can create for your supply chain.

A customer centric approach is a key strategy that differentiates your business from your competitors. 3PL providers in Melbourne provide expert warehousing and logistics services to support you to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction though customer centric focused services.

Achieving great customer satisfaction requires a sales process that covers all aspects of service delivery. Timely production, availability of finance, attractive marketing, sales growth and flawless supply chain services are all core elements that support you to attract and retain customers. Unless supply chain is your core expertise, you can experience a weak link in your sales process if there is limited control and knowledge about freight forwarding, custom clearance, warehousing and transportation.

Your supply chain needs professional experience and expertise to analyse the criticalities involved as every supply chain has its own challenges and difficulties. Outsourcing your supply chain to a professional 3PL provider in Melbourne gives you better control and visibility so that you can focus on your core area of business and be more customer centric.

Read on to learn four tips to be more customer centric with 3PL Melbourne.

For businesses in Australia that import, sea freight services are a large part of their logistics budget and the variability of the sea freight market can make planning a challenge.

BCR is an international freight forwarder focused on improving results for our customers. Each month we provide an update on the sea freight services market to keep you informed and enable you to prepare for changes that may lie ahead.

Read on for a brief update on the North East Asia, South East Asia, United States and Europe trade lanes and the pending increases in import and export Port and Terminal Handling Charges.

Australia is firmly integrated within the global marketplace and as our population continues to grow and domestic manufacturing continues to decrease, we will increasingly be sourcing products from overseas markets. As a freight or logistics manager, this increase would be apparent within your daily life, at work and when you shop. International freight companies in Australia have professional expertise in freight logistics to assist you to meet your extensive global logistics requirements in order to enrich your customer satisfaction and keep you a step ahead from your competitors.

Read on to know how international freight companies fulfil your global 3PL requirements.

Out of all the supply chain flows, information flow is one of the most critical for the success of supply chain and hence the business. In your information system, a very important and critical role is played by 3PL providers. 3PL providers update you about your inventory level, daily throughput, replenishment time, dead stock, safety stock, transit time, real time cargo status, document requirements, delays and congestions, transportation alerts and much more information. Based on this information you make your strategic and tactical decisions like your sales forecasting, manufacturing planning, finance planning, inventory level/size, your reorder point, order fulfilment rate/time, supply chain model etc. If your 3PL provider does not handle this information efficiently, it increases your supply chain and business risk.
Read on to learn more on how inefficient information flow can kill your business.