Expak Logistics Publishes Free Online Third Party Logistics (3PL) Guide

Expak Logistics, a leading Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) company in Los Angeles, CA, is pleased to announce that they have released a free online guide which explains the fundamentals of Third Party Logistics (3PL).

While more companies are choosing to outsource their supply chain management, many are unaware of how to get the value they seek when considering vendors, which means they may wind up with the wrong set of services. “We take pride in partnering with each of our customers, no matter how small or large, to provide what they need, when they need it. Anything less will not meet our standards for continuous improvement,” said Michael Kraus of Expak Logistics.

The Expak Logistics' 3PL guide provides useful information for anyone interested in in-state, intra-state, regional, or international services. It helps them understand the types of facilities and fleet footprint any company that seeks to grow or become more agile needs. It also outlines the key services provided by different types of 3PLs, and how that differs from 4PL suppliers.

Some 3PL suppliers focus solely on transportation. Others provide warehouse networks to enable their customers to fulfill orders more quickly and establish inventory reserves in many locations. Those who refer to the internet for guidance will find millions of pages stating the pros and cons of warehouse outsourcing, logistics, and a multitude of choices in between.

Many suppliers have a ‘take what we have or leave’ attitude with customers, charging extra for even the slightest variation or special pick up. Some companies are concerned about giving up their full organizational control, but this is natural. Many may also not want to pay for the short-term onboarding expenses; overlooking the strategic advantages, increased capabilities and long-term savings they stand to gain by working with a partner they can trust.

Space Coast Daily recently published an article outlining the benefits of hiring a 3PL provider. In it, they suggest that every business owner consider six questions to assess how they would benefit from a 3PL provider. These questions ask how fast the company in question is growing, whether a 3PL makes financial sense for it, and if a 3PL can make the company more efficient, among others. Even when companies are not growing, asking these questions can provide a focus for releasing resources, including staff, who in turn can be focused on more valuable activities, retaining and gaining new customers and business.

The Space Coast Daily article states, “If you have extensive or complicated shipping and transportation needs, you may benefit from a 4PL to help coordinate everything.” Expak provides facilities and a fleet footprint to get products securely across all 50 states in the US. They now provide small package shipping via fixed route scheduled delivery, dedicated fleet services, air freight, LTL services, and much more. With the addition of their warehousing and fulfillment solutions, they can provide many companies with everything needed to refine and scale their supply chain.

“With 40% of 3PL occupiers serving e-commerce customers, it shows that online retail continues to impact demand for logistics space. Businesses need to partner with providers with the fleet footprint and chain of custody to ensure security, the integrity of the shipment, and to help prevent loss,” noted Levine. Expak Logistics takes pride in their own history of beginning as a small delivery company in the wide-open lands of Texas in 1966, and continuing to fulfill the needs of small businesses as they face the trials and tribulations of their own growth and expansion.

Mark Gallagher reviewed the company’s services, saying, “We've been working with the Expak team for the last few months. They have been a great partner—quick communication and super professional.” Another customer, Samantha Hernandez, said, “Expak is the way to go! Great Customer Service, and attention to detail! Prices are reasonable and service is of quality!” With 5-star recommendations like these (and many more), Expak Logistics’ services would be a boon to any company who chose to work with them.

The company’s contact information can be found on their website, along with online forms to make a general enquiry or apply to become a vendor. The company’s headquarters is conveniently located in Los Angeles to make the most of transport links in and out of California across the US. Additionally, social media users may connect with Expak Logistics on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.