choosing a 3rd party logistics company in the new year
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It is the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us. If you are a business owner, it is also is the time where you are reflecting on the past year and planning for the next. If you do not have a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) and are looking to partner in the new year, or if you are unhappy with your current provider, here are some insider tips to navigation through the 3PL selection process.
- Decide if you want to outsource on your own or switch to a 3PL. You should determine the value to change, your return on investment, system complications, and an overall strategy (including time) to complete this process.
- Identify the right 3PL partner. There are a lot of providers in the market, but it is important to find the right fit for your company. You need to determine if you need your 3PL to be commodity specific, industry specific, geographic specific, technologically driven and so on. Create a list of what you are looking for in your ideal candidate(s).
- Learn what the 3PL true capabilities and competencies are. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure throughout the selection process you are comparing apples to apples. Create a timeline for potential suitors so they may propose their capabilities against what you have defined as your needs. You should anticipate 3PLs to disrupt your needs in the bid process, for a good 3PL will tell you what they know as best for your processes and not what you want to hear.
- Sign a contract or service agreement with your provider. Show them exclusivity so you can start the negotiation process. The 3PL will charge a nominal cost for their time and effort to this point and beyond, but this phase will help show how the two company cultures will mesh. A quality 3PL will tie in service-level agreements to financial incentives for both parties. The right partner will focus on savings goals, targets for implementation dates, and have contingencies based on near-term returns, as well as a more friendly long-term return. Be aware that the 3PL and the client have static costs, profits to be maintained, and inflation concerns, so make sure everyone is looking long-term and avoiding the one-sided negotiation.
- Decide on your support team throughout the implementation process, as well as the on-going execution process. Both sides will need the proper team members throughout for continued success. Do not be afraid to remove individuals from your team and request for potential changes on your 3PL’s team. Change is never a bad thing if it is done for the right reasons for both parties involved.
Third Party Logistics Providers come in all different shape and sizes, certain 3PLs excel in technology or specific services, some are more scalable than others, some are set for more long-term success, while others help short-term to build your road map to success. A proper decision on what 3PL is right for you will ultimately change the way your organization will operate for the better.
At NOTS Logistics, we can provide fully sourced 3PL services to our clients. We will be happy to sit down and discuss if we are the right fit for your needs. For more information, contact us today: https://notslogistics.com/contact-us/.
At NOTS Logistics, our coworkers are the driving force behind everything we do. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make it possible for us to deliver exceptional service to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve. That’s why taking time to recognize and celebrate our employees is an important part of our culture.
On Wednesday, June 19th, NOTS Logistics proudly hosted an Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout at our Nashville, Illinois location. The event brought together coworkers from across our operations to enjoy great food, connect with one another, and celebrate the contributions that make our organization stronger every day.
Bringing Our Team Together
The cookout welcomed all full-time, part-time, PSA, TRSC, and NMS/North Operations employees, creating an opportunity for team members from various roles and departments to gather outside of their daily responsibilities. Events like this allow coworkers to build stronger relationships, share experiences, and foster the sense of connection that defines the NOTS Logistics culture.
Creating opportunities for employees to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting helps strengthen teamwork and encourages collaboration across the organization. Whether working in operations, administration, or support roles, each employee plays a vital part in our success, and this event was designed to celebrate that shared purpose.
A Classic Summer Celebration
The cookout featured classic summer favorites, including hamburgers, bratwurst, and a variety of delicious sides that everyone could enjoy. The casual atmosphere allowed employees to unwind, enjoy a meal together, and take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules.
While the food was certainly a highlight, the true focus of the event was appreciation — recognizing the effort, dedication, and positive energy our coworkers bring to the workplace every day. The cookout provided a space for laughter, conversation, and connection, reinforcing the strong relationships that help define our workplace culture.
Celebrating Our Culture of Appreciation
As a family-owned company, NOTS Logistics has always prioritized people first. We believe that a supportive work environment leads to greater engagement, stronger performance, and lasting success. Showing appreciation for our coworkers is not simply an annual activity — it is a core part of how we operate.
The Employee Appreciation BBQ reflects our ongoing commitment to:
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Recognizing employee contributions and celebrating achievements
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Building strong workplace relationships across teams and departments
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Fostering a positive and supportive culture where employees feel valued
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Encouraging connection and engagement among coworkers
By investing in our employees and recognizing their hard work, we continue to build an environment where individuals feel respected, supported, and motivated to succeed.
The Importance of Employee Recognition
Employee appreciation events play an important role in strengthening organizational culture. Taking time to acknowledge the dedication of our workforce helps reinforce the values that guide NOTS Logistics — teamwork, respect, and commitment to excellence.
When employees feel valued, they are more engaged in their work, more connected to their teams, and more motivated to contribute to organizational goals. Events like the BBQ cookout serve as a reminder that every role matters and every contribution helps move our company forward.
At NOTS Logistics, we understand that our success is directly tied to the people who make up our team. Their efforts, expertise, and positive attitudes allow us to continue growing, innovating, and delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers.
Gratitude for Our Nashville Team
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout and helped make the event such a success. Your continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are what make NOTS Logistics a great place to work and a trusted partner for our customers.
We are incredibly proud of our Nashville team and all our coworkers across every location. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our organization and supporting our communities.
Looking Ahead
At NOTS Logistics, we remain committed to creating opportunities that celebrate our people, strengthen our culture, and support our teams. Events like the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout reflect our ongoing mission to invest in our coworkers and build an environment where everyone can thrive.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us for a day of great food, connection, and celebration. We appreciate you — today and every day.
Connect With Us
Main Office
17848 Mockingbird Road
Nashville, IL 62263
Email:
sales@notslogistics.com
Phone: (800) 642-5436
Fax: (618) 478-5356