In the heart of the Midwest, where the pulse of industry meets the arteries of American commerce, third-party logistics (3PL) providers are revolutionizing warehousing and distribution with a suite of value added services.

More than mere storage, today’s 3PLs act as an extension of their clients’ brands, enhancing customer experience, refining product presentation, and optimizing supply chains. This evolution in logistics is an answer to the call for efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness in global markets.

For businesses looking to stay agile in a rapidly changing world, partnering with a 3PL provider that offers value added services isn’t just advantageous—it’s a game-changer. On Time Delivery & Warehouse in Cleveland, Ohio is a key player in the supply chain success of our customers.

Understanding Value-Added Services

Value added services encompass a wide range of offerings designed to do more than simply store and ship products. These services are tailored to help businesses optimize supply chain functions, reduce costs, and differentiate themselves in crowded markets. Midwest 3PL providers, with their central U.S. location and access to expansive transportation networks, are uniquely positioned to execute these services efficiently and cost-effectively.

Here are some of the most impactful value-added services an Ohio 3PL warehouse and distribution facility can offer, along with the ways they help businesses gain a competitive edge.

1. Kitting and Assembly

One of the most common value added services, kitting, involves grouping individual items together into ready-to-ship packages or kits. Whether assembling products from multiple components or creating promotional bundles, kitting and assembly services add flexibility and efficiency to the fulfillment process.

For companies, kitting can yield remarkable savings. By packaging products into sets or pre-assembled units, they reduce the time and labor required to fulfill individual orders. Kitting also enhances branding, as items arrive neatly packaged, ready to impress end customers. For retailers especially, these services improve presentation and reduce the need for additional handling, resulting in a more seamless experience for customers.

2. Custom Labeling and Packaging

In today’s market, product presentation can be just as important as the product itself. Custom labeling and packaging services allow businesses to tailor each shipment to reflect their brand’s identity and meet regulatory requirements. This service can involve placing labels on products, customizing outer packaging, or even inserting promotional materials into shipments.

Custom labeling and packaging not only streamline operations by making sure goods are prepped and ready for retail but also enhance the customer experience by conveying a consistent, branded message. According to a study by Dotcom Distribution, 52% of customers are more likely to make repeat purchases from a company that provides premium packaging. For companies seeking to build strong brand loyalty, this value-added service makes a powerful impact.

3. Inventory Management and Demand Forecasting

An increasing number of 3PL providers are using sophisticated data analytics to help clients manage inventory more effectively. With demand forecasting tools, they can predict peak periods, identify trends, and ensure optimal stock levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.

For example, data from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) shows that effective inventory management can reduce warehousing costs by up to 25%. Businesses that utilize 3PL inventory management tools gain valuable insights into their supply chains, enabling them to plan better and keep costs under control.

4. Freight Consolidation and Cross-Docking

To reduce time, costs, and environmental impact, 3PL providers often offer freight consolidation and cross-docking services. Freight consolidation combines smaller shipments into a single, larger load, optimizing space and reducing transportation expenses. Cross-docking, on the other hand, involves transferring goods directly from inbound to outbound trucks, minimizing storage time and speeding up delivery.

In a highly competitive global market, reducing transit times can make a considerable difference. According to Inbound Logistics, companies that use cross-docking can reduce transportation costs by 10-20%. For businesses working with On Time Delivery & Warehouse, access to Cleveland cross-docking and consolidation provides faster shipping and lower costs—vital advantages in industries with high-volume, time-sensitive products like retail and electronics.

5. Fulfillment and Order Processing

Efficient order processing is the backbone of any successful distribution network, and many 3PLs now offer advanced fulfillment services that go beyond basic pick-and-pack. From receiving orders electronically to managing packing, labeling, and shipping, fulfillment services allow businesses to respond to demand with agility and precision.

As of 2021, the global e-commerce market was estimated to be over $4.2 trillion, underscoring the importance of reliable fulfillment services. By leveraging fulfillment support from a 3PL, companies can handle high-volume orders with greater accuracy, enhancing customer satisfaction while staying nimble and responsive.

Driven by Efficiency

Value added services are increasingly central to the mission of 3PL providers as global supply chains become more complex. With international trade volumes and consumer expectations on the rise, businesses need streamlined solutions to keep pace. A report by McKinsey notes that supply chain automation and advanced 3PL services can increase a business’s productivity by 30-40%. This has led many companies to partner with 3PLs that provide comprehensive, tailored logistics solutions.

Value added services are no longer optional—they are a strategic imperative for companies seeking to adapt, optimize, and grow.

For companies in the Midwest and beyond, a 3PL provider offering one or more value added service transforms the supply chain into a source of opportunity, innovation, and brand enhancement. From reducing costs to enhancing product presentation, these services empower companies to compete in a demanding global marketplace.

In the end, our third-party logistics team views our operation as more than a storage and distribution solution. We’re a strategic partner, a brand ambassador, and an architect of efficiency and growth. Our value added services add that essential “extra” that turns logistics from a function into an advantage, leaving clients free to focus on what they do best: Growing and thriving in an interconnected world.

If you have questions about our Cleveland warehouse value added services, give us a call at (440) 826-4630 or request a quote!

Additional Resources:

Future-proofing the supply chain, June 14, 2022, By Jan Henrich, Jason Li, Carolina Mazuera, and Fernando Perez, McKinsey & Company

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Multi-Door Cleveland Warehouse Helps Ensure On Time Deliveries, Oct. 15, 2024, Ohio Warehouse Blog