Integrated logistics services providers bring advanced shipping infrastructure and wide-ranging industry relationships to bear on supply chains of any size.
For small- and medium-sized businesses looking to scale in the age of e-commerce, it can be challenging to deliver the level of service customers demand with the precision you need. Managing a supply chain, monitoring order fulfillment, liaising with carriers, and communicating with clients can stretch a business’s resources thin.
By partnering with an integrated logistics services provider (ISP), however, you can continue investing in your business while working with experienced shipping and logistics professionals who have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate your needs. From strategic supply chain consolidation to risk mitigation software, ISPs can provide even modest businesses with far greater logistical capabilities than any offered by an in-house solution.
Consolidating Platforms and Providers for Increased Efficiency and Transparency
The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has created a shipping landscape that can only be described as “always on”. Understandably, business owners focused on running their own operation may have a difficult time keeping tabs on every moving asset from the point of manufacture to final delivery.
The right ISP, however, can leverage sophisticated data systems to holistically map your supply chain. With improved transportation management systems (TMS) that collect data from order management, WMS, and ERP software, ISPs can analyze data from across your shipping and logistics operation in such a way that eliminates blind spots, unifies your view of key assets, and provides comprehensive visibility.
With better information on the status of your supply chain, you can deliver more efficient and insightful customer service to your clients, saving time for your team — and theirs — to focus on other aspects of your business. Working through a single platform, supply chain managers can resolve issues quickly, understand what happened in the first place, and make long-term corrections that save everyone precious resources.
Technology and Data Infrastructure That Mitigates Risk
For businesses hoping to partner with an ISP, it’s vital to work with an operation that has the robust technological infrastructure needed to respond to today’s unpredictable shipping and logistics industry. After all, extreme weather, labor disputes, and political crises have become the rule rather than the exception over the past two decades. In order to protect investments and continue driving value, logistics professionals need to have the ability to circumvent these issues before they pose real threats to supply chains.
Risk management platforms aggregate the data of improved TMS systems and combine it with machine learning capabilities in order to anticipate issues before they occur. With a more comprehensive understanding of suppliers, partners, and logistics hubs, supply chain managers can easily identify which assets are currently at risk or may be at risk in the near future. Visual maps of your operation can enable you and your ISP to act on computer-recommended solutions and shipping alternatives in order to deliver goods to customers as efficiently as possible.
Find Capacity and Savings Opportunities Through Industry Relationships
The most beneficial ISPs have extensive trading networks with carriers and business partners across the globe, helping them identify cost-savings opportunities and alternate options when creative problem solving is needed. For low- to medium-volume shippers, these discounts can be the key to success when competing with larger operations that enjoy considerable bulk savings.
When it comes to freight brokerage, ISPs have the contacts on hand to make selecting and confirming carriers easy. Whereas small- and medium-sized businesses would have to invest in costly TMS systems of their own to secure needed capacity, ISPs can hire a carrier for a fraction of the cost using their own platforms. This allows shippers and logistics providers to receive up-to-date information from across the supply chain and generates savings in an otherwise expensive process.
Select an ISP That is Dedicated to Your Long-Term Growth
Dependable ISPs aren’t just looking to attract your business. They hope to become long-term strategic partners, growing as you grow and learning how to best serve your company. While it’s tempting to work with the logistics provider that offers the lower quote, consider who is more likely to have the infrastructure and relationships you can rely on during a crisis. After all, ISPs exist to drive value for your business, not just to cut costs.
With more than 20 years of experience in shipping and logistics, Primary Freight has the track record of industry heavyweights with the personality and feel of a modest operation. Our dedicated team is ready to create custom solutions to all of your shipping needs, whether you ship in low volume or high. If you’re looking for an ISP who can help your business expand around the world, Primary Freight will have your back.
If you’d like to learn more about what makes Primary Freight an ideal shipping and logistics partner, give us a call today at (800) 635-0013.