Check Out the Latest 3PL Service Trends

Trends, some more interesting than others, occur in just about any industry and the third party logistics industry is no different. As part of that industry, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution and Services sees service trends that relate to growth, service demand and the types of customers using our services.

For instance, a July 2013 report from Armstrong & Associates reveals the latest trends in 3PLs and customer relationships. Here’s a look at some of those warehousing, distribution and logistics trends.

More Companies Are Using Public Warehouses

Since 2005, public warehousing has experienced steady growth. In 2012, the demand for public warehousing continued to increase, with 86 percent of U.S.-based Fortune 500 companies now using a 3PL for supply chain functions and logistics. That’s an increase of six percent over the previous year. In fact, some companies use several 3PL providers. Walmart, General Motors and Proctor & Gamble, just to name a few, use 50 or more public warehousing and distribution services. The increase in the use of public warehousing is expected to increase, as the report shows that the current growth in businesses using 3PLs is three times the growth of the U.S. economy.

Most in Demand 3PL Services

As the latest trends indicate, industries using 3PL services the most are automotive, technological, retail and industrial. Brendamour Warehousing offers a host of logistics services, among them warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, processing, light assembly work, transportation management and distribution. Of all these services, the report finds the three most frequently used 3PL services are:

- *Transportation management:* Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution has advanced transportation management software designed to manage transportation operations, including inbound, outbound and drop shipments of goods. We utilize a variety of different transportation methods, including interstate, intrastate, courier, trucking, air, rail, delivery services and pick up, and customize shipments depending on your needs and the needs of your customers. Whether it’s sending a few shipments a week or thousands per day and shipping to one location or multiple locations around the U.S. or globally, Brendamour has the advanced technology to get your products where they need to go on time and in the most cost-effective manner that’s also the best method for your type of goods. We also handle all the back-end functions, like invoicing, tracking, returns, etc., and give you real-time access and up-to-date reports. - *Supply chain management:* No matter how complex your supply chain may be, Brendamour executes a proven integrated supply chain operation that ensures reliable end-to-end movement of your goods through the entire supply chain. From the procurement of raw materials, to the product manufacturer, to the finishing or packaging company and to the end customer, we manage all stages involved in the movement and storage of your goods. - *Primary logistics services:* Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution and Services helps businesses improve customer service, save time, money and resources, and streamline operations by handling their logistics so they can focus on their core business. We manage material handling, production, warehousing, inventory control, packaging, processing, transportation and distribution from point of origin to point of use.

There are many reasons why 3PL providers are seeing an increase in the number of companies using their services. Some trends identified by the Armstrong & Associates report are a gradually improving U.S. economy, new oil and gas operations in the U.S. and Canada, nearshoring of manufacturing to Mexico and more spending by U.S. consumers.

Whatever your reason may be to improve non-core business efficiencies, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services has the scope of warehousing, logistics and distribution services to meet your needs. We are also a certified foreign trade zone. Contact us today to learn more about our 3PL services and how they can help you grow your business.