In the final stages of selecting a third party logistics provider for high volume programs, the director of logistics or operations manager will typically travel to conduct facility visits of 3pls that make the company’s short list. This gives an opportunity to meet with the providers face to face, see how they run their day to day operations, and get better insight into each logistics company’s strengths and weaknesses.
One of the best ways to get an indication of how a logistics company will perform can be found in their warehouse manager. Working with a solid, disciplined warehouse manager is essential to a successful third party logistics relationship. You want someone who has an entreprenurial spirit and is truly excited about your account. Talented warehouse managers are those who see each account as a challenge and seek every opportunity to create efficiencies for your program. They take pride in their work and are continually looking for ways to create cost savings and a competitive advantage for their customers.
If you visit a 3PL and the warehouse manager doesn’t appear to really take an interest in your business or have strategic solutions on how to service your account it probably isn’t the best place to bring your warehousing and distribution program.