Choosing the best 3PL partner can make or break your supply chain. In our recent webinar, Ben Eachus, CEO & Co-Founder of Flowspace, and Kathleen Sullivan Garman, Founder & CEO of SullyGarman & Associates, came together to discuss what brands should expect from their 3PL to ensure seamless fulfillment, operational efficiency, and a superior customer experience.
With years of experience optimizing supply chains and fulfillment strategies, Ben and Kathleen shared valuable insights on what sets the best 3PL partner apart. Kathleen emphasized that while “sales and marketing drive revenue, operations drive profitability”, finding the right 3PL provider is critical for long-term success.
If you’re evaluating your current logistics provider or searching for a new partner, these four key expectations will help you identify the best 3PL partner for your business.
1. Transparency and Real-Time Visibility
A reliable third-party logistics partner (3PL) should provide full visibility into your inventory, orders, and shipments. Without real-time insights, brands risk stockouts, delays, and poor customer experiences. Ben and Kathleen emphasized that the best 3PL partner will offer advanced order management systems (OMS) to provide real-time tracking and logistics performance analytics.
“If you don’t have full visibility into your fulfillment operations, you’re leaving your brand’s success to chance.” – Kathleen Sullivan Garman
2. Scalability and Flexibility
The best 3PL partner should grow with your business. Kathleen explained that a scalable fulfillment network is essential for brands experiencing seasonal fluctuations or rapid expansion. Your logistics provider should offer nationwide coverage, dynamic inventory allocation, and flexible warehousing solutions to meet evolving business needs.
“A great 3PL doesn’t just handle today’s logistics needs—they set you up for growth tomorrow.” – Kathleen Sullivan Garman
3. Proactive Problem-Solving
The best third-party logistics partner doesn’t just move boxes—they actively identify and resolve logistics challenges before they impact your business. Ben and Kathleen discussed how data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and a hands-on support team separate top-tier 3PLs from the rest. Whether it’s preventing shipping delays or optimizing inventory distribution, your 3PL should be a proactive partner in your success.
“Your 3PL should be solving problems before you even know they exist.” – Kathleen Sullivan Garman
4. Cost-Efficiency Without Cutting Corners
While cost savings are a priority, Ben and Kathleen reminded attendees that the cheapest logistics provider is rarely the best 3PL partner. A strong 3PL will focus on optimizing shipping routes, reducing storage fees, and enhancing operational efficiency—all while maintaining high service levels. Flowspace, for example, leverages its Network Optimization System (NOS) to reduce transportation costs without sacrificing speed or reliability.
“Investing in a 3PL is about more than just cost—it’s about making sure your operations are built for long-term success.” – Ben Eachus
How to Choose the Best 3PL Partner for Your Brand
If you’re wondering how to choose the best 3PL partner, start by asking these questions:
- Does the 3PL provide real-time visibility into inventory and orders?
- Can the provider scale with your business as it grows?
- Do they take a proactive approach to solving fulfillment challenges?
- Are they cost-efficient without sacrificing service quality?
Finding the right 3PL partner can significantly impact your brand’s growth, profitability, and customer experience.
Want the Full Breakdown? Download the Guide!
If you missed the webinar or want to dive deeper into these four must-have 3PL expectations, we’ve compiled all the insights into a downloadable resource.
Download the guide here and ensure your 3PL partner is helping—not hindering—your growth.
Selecting the best 3PL partner is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence your brand’s operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing transparency, scalability, proactive problem-solving, and cost-efficiency, you position your business for sustained success. Flowspace excels in these areas, offering advanced order management systems and a robust fulfillment network designed to meet the dynamic needs of growing brands. To delve deeper into how Flowspace can elevate your logistics strategy, explore our comprehensive guide to order management.
You can also watch the webinar on demand.
Recording: https://flow.space/webinars/4-things-you-should-expect-from-your-3pl-partner/
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