If you’re among the millions of Americans who have recently launched a new business this year, let us be among the first to congratulate you! U.S. Census data indicates that the surge of new enterprises contains a significant number of manufacturing and retail companies. All startups (but those in these areas in particular) should look closely at the benefits of partnering with a trusted Cleveland 3PL (third-party logistics) company. A 3PL can assist with optimizing inventory management, warehousing, scalability, simplification, shipments, transparency, customer satisfaction reviews, and cost savings.

Outsourcing shipping, warehousing, and order fulfillment with a third-party logistics firm is something burgeoning business owners sometimes overlook in the early phases, primarily because many are cash-strapped and looking for any and all opportunities to save capital. However, smart entrepreneurs recognize that certain expenses are well worth the investment. Many new (and veteran) Northeast Ohio business owners see substantial benefits working with a trusted Cleveland 3PL, often right out of the gate. In fact, some operators find they can’t effectively compete in the market without one.

What Does a Cleveland 3PL Partner Do, Exactly? 

Third-party logistics companies manage your supply chain operations, including warehousing and shipping. In short, our job is ensuring your products make it to your business partners/customers – intact, on time, every time.

We help facilitate the receiving, picking, warehousing, packing, and shipping. On Time Delivery & Warehouse goes above and beyond the typical storage space operation to provide:

• Heated warehousing.
• FDA registered warehousing.
• Container Freight Station (CFS).
• Centralized Examination Station (CMS).
• Import/export freight handlers.
• Product coding & packing.
• Cross-docking.
• Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual storage rates.
• Bill of lading preparation.
• UPS Standard daily.
• On-site security.
• Domestic freight handlers.
• Hazmat certification.
• Hot shot services.
• Kitting.
• Liftgate deliveries.
• Same-day & next-day delivery services.

If we don’t offer the exact services you’re seeking, we’ll point you to another trusted local provider who can.

Why Logistics Are an Important Consideration for Brand New Businesses

Very few startups have experience in logistics. This is problematic because it can impact how quickly the right goods get to the correct destination, unblemished and exactly when they’re supposed to.

Our goal as 3PL providers is to ensure your supply chain is working for you and your customers from Day 1.

Supply chain management has always been a tricky task, but that’s been especially true since the pandemic – the ripples of which continue to disrupt the normal flow of goods and services in the U.S. and globally. Of course, while these supply chain snags still garner media attention, the fact is there were issues and gaps in local, national, and international supply chains long before COVID was on the radar. Even now with a brighter spotlight, increased private investment, and the recently-passed infrastructure bill, we expect supply chains will continue to present management challenges, particularly for start-ups just wading into the waters. Partnering with an established 3PL gives you more connections and options when you’re facing potential roadblocks.

Some new firms start out with something called “second-party logistics,” or 2PL. This refers to one business relying on another for transportation of goods. If you’re using another company to ship and deliver products, you’re already working with a 2PL. Typically, you provide them with the order, they take care of delivery and tracking. On Time Delivery & Warehouse does offer 2PL transportation and shipping services – often with better pricing, transparency, and customer satisfaction than larger-name competitors.

Upgrading to 3PL services offers recently-established companies increased flexibility and scalability. Ideally, entrepreneurs seek third-party logistics solutions before they start falling behind on customer orders, the goal being to prevent dips in customer confidence and future sales. A top-rated Cleveland 3PL can help optimize your supply chain processes by providing:

• Just the right amount of storage space, even when fluctuation is routine.
• Labor for receiving/order fulfillment.
• Streamlined warehousing and shipment services with technology that minimizes delays, improves transparency (including order status & tracking), and ensures accountability.
• Better shipping rates with 2PLs (particularly with less-than-truckload – or LTL – shipping) through bulk discounts.
• Effective management of returns.

In-house warehousing, shipping, and supply chain management really only make sense if your operation is very small. If you’re already at the point of training/paying someone to handle your fulfillment, chances are you’d be wise to weigh a third-party logistics arrangement.

Ultimately, you want to build a business that’s lasting. Working with a pro logistics partner is going to assure that you have the flexibility necessary not only to meet basic operational needs of the firm, but to help grow it. When you outsource warehousing and logistics, you don’t have to worry about burning the candle at both ends to keep up with existing orders. You’re able to stay on top of your core functions, maneuver through the ebb and flow of day-to-day business, and also explore potential innovation and expansion. Working with the experts at our dedicated Cleveland 3PL can also help you navigate new sales channels, seasonal demands, and customer satisfaction.

If you have questions about our Northeast Ohio 3PL warehousing & distribution services, contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse in Middleburg Heights by calling (440) 826-4630 or sending us an email.

Additional Resources:

Start-Up Boom in the Pandemic is Growing Stronger, Aug. 19, 2021, By Ben Casselman, The New York Times

More Blog Entries:

Benefits of Small Business Cleveland LTL Shipping With Our Ohio Delivery Team, Aug. 21, 2021, On Time Delivery & Warehouse Cleveland 3PL Blog