Partnering with the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider goes beyond a simple service contract. It's a collaborative relationship that can streamline and elevate your freight shipping operations. A strong 3PL becomes more than just a coordinator of shipping — they act as an integrated part of your team, working toward your long-term goals.
With expertise, technology and carrier access, a skilled 3PL company can help you unlock greater efficiency, reduce shipping costs and build supply chain resilience. But to get there, it's critical to start the relationship on the right foot.
This blog provides tips and resources on how to lay the foundation for a long-term, productive and cost-effective 3PL freight services partnership!
Set the Stage: Ask the 3PL the Right Questions
Before you partner with a 3PL provider, take time to fully understand what they offer and how it aligns with your business goals.
A reputable 3PL freight provider will welcome in-depth conversations and invite you to learn about its transportation management system (TMS), technology integrations, reporting capabilities and communication cadence. You'll want clarity upfront to avoid surprises down the line.
Key questions to ask:
- What does your onboarding and discovery process look like?
- Will you provide an audit of my shipping operations, including invoices?
- How often will we review performance and contract terms?
These early discussions help ensure both sides are aligned and foster mutual accountability from the start.
Think 3PL Partner, Not Vendor
The most successful 3PL relationships are built on partnership. Look for a 3PL company that takes time to understand your supply chain, pain points and growth goals. A great partner will not only ask the right questions. They'll also offer proactive solutions tailored to your business. That includes advising you on mode optimization, pricing strategies, routing and ways to gain better visibility across your freight operations.
A strong 3PL provider should help you:
- Choose the best freight modes for your shipments, including less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), PTL, intermodal and expedited freight.
- Identify inefficiencies in your current shipping process.
- Make data-backed decisions using real-time shipping insights.
Ask your 3PL provider:
- What could we be doing differently to ship more efficiently?
- Are we using the optimal mix of freight shipping modes for our needs?
Understand the Freight Carrier Connection
When you work with a 3PL freight provider, they often handle most of the communication with carriers. But it's still important to understand and respect the role carriers play and how your 3PL supports those relationships.
Many 3PL companies work with a curated network of vetted carriers. That means your shipments benefit from better rates, availability and service levels. Maintaining positive carrier relationships can also mean more flexibility and better outcomes when issues arise.
Ask your 3PL:
- Which parts of the carrier relationship will you handle, and which are my responsibility?
- What steps can I take to establish trust with our assigned carriers?
Working in tandem with both your 3PL provider and carriers ensures smoother deliveries and fewer disruptions.
Leverage Technology: Understand Their TMS Capabilities
Modern 3PL providers rely on powerful shipping technology to improve speed, visibility and cost efficiency. A transportation management system (TMS) is the backbone of these operations, helping you plan, execute and track your freight shipping in real time. But not all TMS platforms are the same. Before starting a 3PL relationship, make sure their tech aligns with your needs and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems.
Key questions to ask:
- What features in your TMS will directly benefit my business?
- How easily can your TMS integrate with my current systems?
- Will I have access to real-time tracking and performance analytics?
- What kind of training and support do you provide for using the system?
The right 3PL provider will treat their TMS as a tool for collaboration — not a barrier.
Collaborate On Cost Efficiency
At the end of the day, both you and your 3PL company are invested in operational and financial success. That's why transparency, communication and shared problem-solving are vital to long-term cost control.
A smart 3PL relationship includes strategies for:
- Planning for seasonal (including peak season) or volume fluctuations
- Optimizing shipment consolidation and routing
- Aligning on payment terms and avoiding unnecessary freight fees
- Managing risk with adequate cargo insurance and claim support
Ask your 3PL:
- How can we better protect our shipments from loss or damage?
- What are your recommendations for cutting shipping costs or reducing waste?
A forward-thinking 3PL freight services partner should bring you cost-saving ideas — not just invoice you.
Tap Into Logistics Expertise
An experienced 3PL provider brings far more to the table than just trucks. They're logistics experts who can guide you in building a smarter, more agile shipping strategy.
From optimizing inbound freight to reducing dwell time at warehouses, your 3PL company should be analyzing your shipping data, spotting trends and identifying improvement opportunities.
They should also support you with:
- Performance reporting and carrier scorecards
- Predictive analytics and demand forecasting
- Compliance guidance for cross-border or specialized freight
If your current provider is only offering transactional support, it might be time to reconsider the partnership.
Evaluate fit: Is this 3PL right for you?
Not all 3PL freight brokerages are created equal. You want a provider that aligns with your business size, industry needs and long-term goals. Ask yourself:
- Do they understand our business and offer tailored solutions?
- Are they transparent, communicative and proactive?
- Can they scale with us as we grow?
If the answer is yes, you may have found a 3PL relationship worth investing in.
Ready to build a better 3PL freight partnership?
Choosing the right 3PL company can unlock huge value for your supply chain. Whether you're shipping LTL freight regionally or coordinating complex, multimodal shipments nationwide, a reliable 3PL provider can help you gain control, reduce costs and improve performance.
And when the partnership starts with trust, collaboration and shared goals, it can lead to long-term growth and competitive advantage.
What GlobalTranz Can Offer as Your 3PL Partner
With over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry, GlobalTranz understands the unique challenges faced by shippers like you. We've built strong relationships with more than 75+ LTL carriers and 45K+ truckload carriers, ensuring that our clients have access to competitive pricing and reliable service.
Our TMS is a game-changer, allowing businesses to manage all their shipping needs — domestic and international — in one easy-to-use platform. With features like real-time tracking, automated alerts and cost comparisons, our TMS is designed to make shipping more efficient and cost-effective.
By partnering with GlobalTranz, you'll get the support of a team of logistics experts who understand your specific needs and challenges. We offer customized solutions to help you scale your shipping operations, improve delivery times and reduce costs. Whether you need 3PL shipping solutions or help navigating the complexities of international freight, we've got you covered.
Ready to talk? Request a complimentary shipping consultation with a GlobalTranz shipping expert today!