Why Should I Use a Third-Party Logistics Expert for LTL Freight Shipping?

Peanut butter and jelly. Peas and carrots. Cookies and cream. Chocolate and ... just about everything, really. The perfect pairing always seems to make things better.

That axiom goes far beyond the world of food, and definitely applies to your business shipping operations. When you're looking to take your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping to the next level, you need to make sure your business is paired up properly. And who is the perfect LTL freight partner? A third-party logistics (3PL) provider!

Need a reason why an LTL 3PL can greatly benefit your freight shipping? We've got eight of them for you.

8 Reasons a LTL 3PL Can Benefit Your Shipping

1. Professional guidance from third-party logistics consultants.

Third-party logistics providers are experts in LTL shipping. They've seen it all, and have likely helped many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) just like yours save time and trouble with their LTL freight. That expertise is invaluable when you're looking to maximize your shipping budget and minimize hassles, claims and unnecessary costs such as accessorial fees.

2. Better less-than-truckload shipping pricing through group savings.

There's power in numbers, and that's especially true for 3PL customers. A 3PL can aggregate the shipping volume of thousands of SMBs to secure rates their customers would never be able to obtain on their own.

3. A greater variety of freight service and carrier options.

The right 3PL will understand your business and its unique less-than-truckload shipping needs. They can help you figure out the right carrier, speed, extra services and additional modes, like FTL or international freight, that you may need for your shipments.

4. Controlled management of carrier relationships.

A 3PL with a carefully vetted stable of high-quality carrier partners has already done a lot of the work for you. There's no need to investigate a potential carrier's on-time performance or quality of service. 3PL long-term carrier relationships also usually mean smoother and easier claims resolution when issues do arise.

5. Simple, no-cost freight technology.

A modern, sophisticated 3PL will have an equally modern and sophisticated online transportation management system (TMS). The right TMS will be fast, free and friendly to use! A well-designed TMS gives you instant access to quotes, tracking and every other aspect of your less-than-truckload shipping — anywhere and anytime.

6. Easier access to freight carriers with capacity.

It's no secret that carriers are stretched to the max right now, and freight capacity is in short supply. A great 3PL partner can leverage their history and relationships with carriers to make sure your freight finds its way onto their trucks.

7. More time to spend on your business.

Time is the ultimate commodity, and the perfect 3PL partner will give you more of it. By reducing the amount of time you spend managing your LTL shipping, you can devote more of your attention to doing what you do best — running your business!

8. They'll know you and your company.

A top-notch 3PL will be as invested in your SMB's success as you are. They'll take the time to get to know your business, conduct a freight audit, and provide recommendations on making your less-than-truckload shipping more efficient and effective and be a true partner in every sense of the word. No phone call will be too late and no emergency will be too great.

Pick the right 3PL partner for your LTL freight shipping

3PL and LTL. They just sound like they belong together, don't they? That said, keep in mind that not all 3PLs are created equally. Now that you know how essential a 3PL partner is for your LTL freight success, make sure you choose the right one. If you need help deciding, take our quiz to find out if you need a new 3PL and read more about us to see if were the right fit for your freight shipping.

Worldwide Express manages more than 14,000 LTL shipments every day, and has partnered with more than 75 national, regional and local LTL freight carriers. We've helped tens of thousands of SMBs like yours with expert guidance, technology, competitive rates and access to carriers.

When it comes to successfully managing your LTL shipping operations, the right 3PL is an indispensable partner. Schedule your complimentary, custom shipping consultation with the Worldwide Express team today and discover what a great 3PL can do for your LTL.