Logistic services are the backbone of many businesses, especially e-commerce businesses. Choosing the right logistics partner can significantly improve your business revenue, reduce overhead costs, and make your customers happier.
As expected, a lot of planning and considerations go into choosing the right logistic partner for your business. You want to ensure that you’ve chosen the best company with the right team, experience, capability, and resources to fulfill your needs and those of your customers.
To improve your selection quality, consider these factors.
Logistic Capabilities
The right logistic partner is not just the one that offers quality services but one that has the bandwidth to address your needs now and in the future. Hiring a partner with immense logistics capabilities can significantly save you from future stress after your business expands.
You must consider your current and future logistic needs as well as how the partner plays into them. If the logistic partner is lacking, then they’re only valuable for the short term and may be unable to meet your growth needs.
For better clarity, dig deeper into each of the logistic partners you’re considering and answer these questions;
- Do they utilize repetitive truckload lanes?
- Are shipments time sensitive?
- Are truckload lands sporadic or constant?
- Do they offer dedicated trucking assets?
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a two-way street when dealing with a logistics provider. You want to ensure that the service provider is quick and efficient with loading, storing, and retrieving your stock. You also want to ensure that they have the right order fulfillment process and fast delivery timelines.
Logistic partners who do not serve both ends of the deal should not be considered, especially as this can cost your business a lot of money. Remember that late deliveries can warrant order cancellation and negative reviews.
Technological Inclination
A technologically inclined and motivated logistics partner can simplify tasks and save time on order processing and supply chain logistics.
It is important to look for a partner that is committed to leveraging technology to solve or reduce common bottlenecks affecting each stage in the supply chain. This can significantly reduce your order fulfillment time, improve customer satisfaction, and help you to build additional unique selling propositions for your business.
In considering the logistic partner’s commitment to technology and technological inclination, ask the following;
- Do they have a technology that integrates seamlessly into your online store or existing software?
- Does their software leverage available data to make valuable decisions?
Safety Record
There’s a barrage of safety concerns and regulations in the logistics and supply chain world. It is important to understand the intending partner’s stand regarding safety issues and maintaining a safe workplace environment.
As part of the safety considerations, consider the insurance policy the logistics partner has taken out and how it protects you and your customers.
Adaptability
Fluidity and adaptability can play a huge role in the success of your business. Consider how adaptable and flexible the logistic partner is, especially with order storage and fulfillment. You should also consider their stand to custom requirements, whether they offer dedicated services to meet specific needs or not.
Company Stability
Stability is a huge factor. It keys into experience and can make a difference now and in the future. A stable logistics partner offers guarantees that they will continue to adapt and expand to meet your needs and other clients’ needs.
This long-term guarantee and stability can encourage you to expand further to utilize their services to your maximum advantage.
Consider Reputation
A company’s reputation tells you a lot about them. A logistic partner with a bad reputation is a disaster waiting to happen. It is recommended that you consider what other companies or past employees are saying about the logistics company and their services.
You should also ask the following;
- How do they treat their employees, suppliers, and contractors?
- Are they active and positively impacting their community?
- Do they have reviews and what do their reviews say about customer service and other business aspects?
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they reputable for innovation and scaling businesses?
- Do they have long-term clients and partners?
Inventory Management
Most logistics partners offer warehousing and inventory management solutions. Accurate inventory management is essential, especially to keep the supply chain pipeline flowing and customers happy. Consider the logistic partners’ inventory management schedule and its sophistication.
Also consider how the management solution integrates with your existing business setup.
The above factors can help you weed out unsuitable logistic partners and leave you with the perfect choices for your business’ order fulfillment needs. In addition to these factors, consider the company’s location and how they intend to cater to your needs.
