Benefits of Using Small Niche Freight Forwarders Vs Large 3PL Options

Third-party logistics companies can provide solutions for businesses in a wide range of industries. There are many options available when it comes to choosing one of these forwarding companies. Often, businesses look for large companies because they believe that bigger is better. However, this is certainly not always the case, especially when it comes to forwarding companies.

You will find that working with small niche forwarders instead can provide some benefits that simply aren’t found with the large 3PL businesses. Let’s look at some of the biggest advantages, so you can see why more companies are choosing niche forwarding companies today.

Focused Customer Care

When choosing a large 3PL company, you will be another cog in their machine. Those larger third-party logistics companies will not always have the capability to provide your business with the individualized care and attention that is needed. It is often easier to communicate with a smaller, focused niche company and to get answers to questions when you have them. You will feel like you and your business are important to the niche companies. You won’t feel like just another customer. However, it goes beyond just how you’re treated. As you will see, at the fundamental level, niche companies can often offer more.

Quality Systems and Processes and Easy Adaptation for Unique Solutions

Niche logistics providers will generally attract certain types of customers because they have processes and systems that are ready to work with those industries. These systems allow the niche 3PL to better serve the customers in those specific fields. It tends to be more streamlined and “ready to go.” They have an experienced, focused team that is already geared toward finding solutions. However, this doesn’t mean that your business needs to adapt to their processes, as you will see.

Instead, with a niche company, it becomes possible for them to develop solutions that are specific to your business. They can create what your company needs. Compare this to working with one of the larger options. In those cases, you will generally need to adapt and fit within the large 3PLs systems and processes. This often means that you aren’t getting everything you need. You are settling, and this means that your business could suffer because of it.

There also tends to be less risk of confusion with niche companies. There will be fewer people and moving parts at the niche companies in most cases. It is easier for them to communicate with one another to ensure that everything is proceeding smoothly at all levels of the operation. In larger companies, communication is often not as efficient.

Responsive to the Changing World

Nothing stays static. There are changes to market demands and customer requirements occurring all the time, and it can sometimes be difficult for companies to keep up with those changes. This is particularly true when it comes to large 3PL companies. They are not able to pivot and adjust as quickly as niche companies that have fewer industries to consider. Companies that are experts in their chosen areas have a much easier time adding new services and features specific to those industries. Working with a niche provider helps to ensure that your business remains agile and adaptable, as well.

Better Return on the Investment

Customers will also be happy to know that because the niche forwarding companies are so focused, it tends to be a “smarter expense”. This simply means that the cost of using the service is seen as lower because you can get just what you need. You will be paying for services that matter to your company rather than overpaying for services and features you will never use.

Make the Right Choice

3PL companies are essential in today’s world. However, this doesn’t mean that all of the companies are created equally. Large companies do not always have what your business needs, and they could be too costly for the quality of service you will be getting.  As you can see from the above benefits, niche forwarding companies can often be the best solution. Choose small niche forwarders like OCL to start reaping the rewards these companies can provide. It could make a big difference in your business.

Source:

https://www.mdlogistics.com/2019/08/the-advantages-of-using-a-niche-3pl-provider/

https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/advantages-of-a-niche-third-party-logistics-provider/