10 Reasons to Hire a 3PL for the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and the busiest for shipping! At Customodal, we’re equipped to help your business stay merry during this crazy time of year! As a third-party logistics provider (3PL), we are proud to play a crucial role in helping manufacturers during the busy holiday shipping season.

Here are several ways a 3PL like Customodal can assist during the holidays (and year-round!):

1. Scalability and Flexibility:
   • 3PLs are equipped to handle fluctuations in order volume. They can scale their operations up or down based on your needs, which is especially important during peak seasons like the holidays.
2. Warehousing and Distribution:
   • 3PLs often have extensive warehousing facilities. They can store your products, manage inventory, and efficiently distribute them as orders come in, ensuring timely shipments to customers.
3. Order Fulfillment:
   • 3PLs can manage the entire order fulfillment process, from picking and packing to shipping. This can streamline operations and improve efficiency during peak times when manufacturers may struggle to keep up with high order volumes.
4. Technology and Automation:
   • Many 3PLs use advanced technology and automation systems for order processing, inventory management, and shipment tracking. This can reduce errors, enhance accuracy, and speed up the fulfillment process. At Customodal, we are proud to partner with Priority1 to provide top-notch technology and access to all of our customers.
5. Shipping Cost Optimization:
   • 3PLs often have established relationships with shipping carriers and can negotiate better rates. This can help manufacturers save on shipping costs, especially during the holiday season when shipping rates may be higher. At Customodal, we’ve been in the business a long time and have an outstanding network of carriers that we work with.
6. Returns Management:
   • The holiday season often sees an increase in product returns. 3PLs can handle the returns process efficiently, ensuring that returned items are processed quickly and that customers receive timely refunds or replacements.
7. Customer Service:
   • Some 3PLs (like Customodal!) offer customer service support, including handling inquiries, tracking orders, and managing returns. This can help manufacturers focus on their core competencies while ensuring that customer service needs are still met.
8. Customization and Special Handling:
   • If your products require special handling or customization for holiday promotions, a 3PL can adapt to these requirements. We have the expertise and facilities to handle unique packaging or promotional inserts.
9. Global Logistics:
   • If you’re dealing with international shipments, a 3PL with global logistics capabilities can help manage the complexities of cross-border shipping, customs clearance, and compliance.
10. Data and Analytics:
    • 3PLs provide data and analytics insights, helping manufacturers gain visibility into their supply chain performance. This information can be valuable for making informed decisions and optimizing operations.

By leveraging the services of a 3PL like Customodal during the busy holiday shipping season, manufacturers can focus on their core competencies while ensuring efficient and reliable fulfillment of customer orders. It’s crucial to choose a 3PL partner that aligns with your specific needs and has a proven track record of handling peak season demands. Customodal has been a trusted 3PL for decades. Reach out to our team today: