Building Stronger Relationships with Your 3PL Partners

For business owners, having a reliable third-party logistics provider (3PL) is one of the best ways to improve supply chain management and customer experience. A strong 3PL partnership helps companies manage inventory levels, order volumes, and international shipping while reducing costs and improving delivery speeds.

However, to create a successful relationship with a 3PL company, business owners must focus on open communication, mutual trust, and strategic relationships. In this guide, we will explore key steps to developing 3PL trust, improving 3PL communication, and monitoring 3PL performance metrics.

Developing 3PL Trust: The First Step to a Successful Partnership

A 3PL relationship must be built on trust. Business owners need a real partner—a service provider that acts as an extension of their team. Trust helps both sides work together toward common goals, leading to long-term success.

Why Trust Matters in a 3PL Partnership

A trusted 3PL fulfillment center ensures smooth supply chain operations, helping companies expand into new markets and launch new product lines efficiently. Studies show that companies with stronger relationships with their 3PL services experience higher customer satisfaction, better cost savings, and improved bottom lines.

Best Practices for Building Trust

To establish a solid relationship with a third-party logistics company, follow these best practices:

• Open Dialogue & Routine Communication: Regular communication is essential for a positive relationship. Set up weekly or monthly check-ins with your contact person to discuss challenges, new ways to improve, and business goals.
• End-to-End Visibility: Transparency in warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and supply chain technology helps businesses track their products in real-time.
• Clear Goals & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define a set of KPIs to measure your 3PL’s performance, such as on-time delivery rates and order accuracy.
• Effective Relationship Management: Treat your 3PL provider as a real partner rather than just another vendor. A healthy relationship leads to continuous improvement in logistics operations.

Improving 3PL Communication: The Key to Business Success

A successful partnership with a third-party logistics provider depends on clear and open communication. Miscommunication can result in shipping delays, increased costs, and unhappy customers.

Common Communication Barriers

• Lack of Face Meetings: Sometimes, virtual communication isn’t enough. Scheduling face meetings with your 3PL provider can help improve alignment.
• Different Technology Systems: Ensure your 3PL fulfillment center uses technology integration that aligns with your supply chain operations.
• Unclear Expectations: Clearly define general requirements and specific needs upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

The Best Way to Enhance Communication

• Leverage a Powerful Tool: Technology – Supply chain technology like warehouse management systems and transportation management systems can improve tracking, forecasting, and real-time updates.
• Use Routine Communication – Weekly calls or monthly face meetings help maintain a healthy relationship and ensure all logistics processes are aligned.
• Encourage an Open Dialogue – Be proactive in discussing new products, new ways of optimizing shipping, and custom solutions.

3PL Performance Metrics: Measuring Success

Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential to evaluating your 3PL provider’s success. The right set of KPIs will help businesses maintain a successful relationship and ensure continuous improvement.

Key Metrics to Monitor

• On-Time Delivery Rate: Measures how often deliveries arrive on time, helping businesses meet customer expectations.
• Order Accuracy: Tracks the percentage of correctly packed and shipped orders, improving customer service and reducing returns.
• Inventory Turnover: Helps manage inventory levels by tracking how quickly products are sold and replenished.
• Cost Per Order: Helps business owners track fulfillment expenses and identify cost savings opportunities.

How to Use These Metrics for Continuous Improvement

• Set Clear Goals – Work with your 3PL company to establish realistic key performance indicators.
• Share Data & Reports – Regularly review performance with your logistics partner to identify areas for improvement.
• Recognize Achievements – Celebrate long-term success by acknowledging milestones and strong 3PL work.

Collaborative Logistics Strategies: Strengthening 3PL Ties

A strong 3PL relationship is built on collaboration. When both companies align their strategies, they gain a competitive edge in new markets and customer experience.

How to Improve Collaboration with Your 3PL Provider

• Create Joint Long-Term Plans – Align core competencies to maximize efficiency and explore new product lines.
• Share Responsibilities – Clearly define roles and responsibilities in distribution centers to avoid confusion.
• Utilize Innovative Solutions – Look for custom solutions to streamline supply chain operations.

Evaluating 3PL Partnerships: Choosing the Right Partner

Choosing the right partner is one of the most important decisions for an eCommerce business. A third-party logistics provider should act as an extension of your business, helping it grow while maintaining excellent customer service.

What to Look for in a Potential Partner

• Years of Experience – A reliable 3PL provider has a proven track record in logistics and international shipping.
• Strong Customer Support – A good service provider should prioritize customer service and quick response times.
• Advanced Technology – The right 3PL company will offer modern supply chain technology and transportation management systems.
• Flexibility & Custom Solutions – A real partner should adapt to changing business needs, whether it’s handling new product lines or expanding to new markets.

Managing 3PL Expectations: Building a Long-Term Relationship

A great relationship with a third-party logistics provider requires clear expectations from both sides. Business owners must ensure their 3PL work aligns with company goals.

Best Advice for Managing Expectations

• Set Clear & Achievable Goals – Clearly outline expectations for order volumes, distribution centers, and international shipping.
• Proactively Address Issues – If problems arise, discuss them immediately to find solutions.
• Encourage Continuous Improvement – Use performance data and feedback to refine supply chain operations.

ShipNetwork: The Right 3PL Partner for Your Business Success

For businesses looking for an experienced and reliable third-party logistics company, ShipNetwork is the best choice. With a commitment to 100% order accuracy, 1-2 day ground shipping, and cutting-edge supply chain technology, ShipNetwork helps businesses scale while reducing costs.

Why Choose ShipNetwork?

• Comprehensive 3PL Services – ShipNetwork offers end-to-end fulfillment, including warehouse management systems, distribution centers, and transportation management systems.
• Strategic Relationships – ShipNetwork works as an extension of your business, ensuring smooth logistics operations.
• Advanced Technology Integration – With state-of-the-art supply chain technology, ShipNetwork provides real-time tracking and efficient inventory levels management.
• Custom Solutions for Every Business – Whether you need international shipping, new product line fulfillment, or optimized order volumes, ShipNetwork offers custom solutions to meet your specific needs.

🚀 Take your eCommerce business to the next level with ShipNetwork!

Contact us today to explore how our 3PL fulfillment centers can help streamline your supply chain and enhance your customer experience.