by TQL
6/24/2010
Recently, a Traffic World Special Report detailed the emergence of mid-tier third-party logistics (3PL) companies. In the report, many companies asserted that they put more confidence in mid-tier 3PLs because they give shippers a more flexible choice and offer service that is more personable. Mid-tier and smaller companies have the ability to provide customized solutions and this becomes a distinct advantage to shippers.
Another development described in the report is the issue of being asset-based. Because technology can connect non-asset based companies with the necessary trucks, it is actually less important today whether a 3PL owns trucks. Shippers are quite simply looking for availability when they need trucks, and then accurate, timely, and honest communication. Other upcoming trends in the 3PL sector are more collaboration among 3PLs, resulting in sharing space in trucks and the elimination of 4PLs, or managers of multiple 3PLs.
Carmella Pinder, transportation manager for Zatarains and a client of TQL, is quoted in the article as saying that her main criteria in selecting a 3PL is whether its trucks meet a 98% on time quota. She asserts that she has renewed her contract with TQL because they consistently meet these requirements.
Ken Oaks, President and CEO, asserts that his produce background taught him the importance of being on time, “TQL starting in the produce sector made us incredibly conscious of time. We know the sensitivity of on time percentages and reefer unit control.”
