Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Company: Warehousing & Supply Chain Services

United Facilities Offers Total Supply Chain Solutions

United Facilities is a third party logistics companies with 3PL facilities across the United States.

Total supply chain management, either globally or nationally is one of the most burdensome issues facing business today. Many businesses continue to handle their supply chain internally, but by using a 3PL vendor every business can enjoy the benefits of outsourcing supply chain management to a third-party logistics provider often known by its acronym 3PL. United Facilities is a premier provider of 3PL services in the United States.

What a 3PL Vendor Does

3rd party logistics companies offering manufacturing companies a 3PL solution take over its supply chain logistics. Using a 3PL provider allows manufacturers to outsource operational logistics that run the gamut from packaging, to warehousing, and finally to delivery. Many firms also help manufacturers by processing returns.

Benefits of Outsourcing Supply Chain Management

There are many benefits to outsourcing to a 3PL and they include:

Better Global Capabilities

Manufacturers rely on their 3PL providers to have current and actionable information about local markets, gives manufacturers knowledge of regulation and requirements from government agencies, and an understanding of restraints on capacity. Contracting with a 3PL helps manufacturers who sell internationally by taking care of documentation, custom duties and other issues involving shipments that cross international borders. Producers lacking experience in international shipping often find shipments delayed and costs accelerating if documents and duties are incorrect. In addition, product makers can spend time on producing rather than trying to figure out the complex rules and regulations involved with shipping to multiple nations.

As a 3PL provider, United Facilities is cognizant of the importance of transportation to make for smooth 3PL operations.

Cost Reduction

A key benefit of contracting with a 3PL is their ability to exercise better control of costs and to lower costs for supply chain operations. With their help, 3PLs lower a business’s carrying costs, lower the costs associated with returned products, and help prevent lost sales. Using a 3PL allows a manufacturer to move more goods with fewer assets and still meet the most stringent customer requirements. Clients of 3PL firms enjoy cost reduction benefits that include:

Spending on a level commensurate with use
Making rapid changes in business strategy and tactics
Partnerships that allow for shipping and volume discounts
In place programs that are already working for best practices in logistics

One example of cost reduction is the use of consolidated warehouses or using shared facilities owned and operated by 3PLs. One example of cost savings is not having to maintain company-operated warehouse space and its attendant personnel – this can be an important cost-saving measure. Some 3PL companies provide outstanding inventory forecasting that allows makers to save money on excess production and inventory holding costs.

Improved Efficiency

Often, the utilization of a 3PL vendor allows manufacturers and retailers to run their companies more efficiently. Efficient operations often are the difference between a company’s success and failure. In instances where a business has many moving parts such as manufacturing. Following are some of the ways that a 3PL helps a business run with greater efficiency:

By creating custom logistics solutions for each client company
Lowering a number of resources a business needs for its supply chain
3PLs allow for storage and distribution variations in volume

In order meet the ever-changing demands in supply chain management, United Facilities has implemented several vital improvements in the way we do business with current customers. CI or Continuous Improvement is, by definition, an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can take the form of incremental improvements over time or breakthrough improvements which have an effect immediately.

Packaging Services

When a company partners with United Facilities (UF) the company works at their own facility or the partner’s facilities for packaging services. UF packaging services include:

Packaging & Shrink-Wrapping
Custom Grocery Displays
Product Assembly
Repackaging & Reconditioning
Custom Pick and Pack
Kitting
Multipacks
Special Labeling and/or pricing
Quality Control Inspections
RF & Barcoding
Performance Measurement
Full Array of EDI Transaction Sets
Purchasing & Customer Service Administration
Quality Control Inspections
Product testing
Recouping
Fulfillment
Pallet displays and other retail displays, store-ready pallets
Point of Sale Units
Contract food manufacturing
AIB certification
Rework Projects
Recycling

Scalability

Many manufacturers encounter shifts in product demand. Accordingly, the need for warehouse space expands and contracts in unison with manufacturing output. At UF our warehouse logistics allow us to scale your warehousing to your actual needs. Instead of needing enough warehouse space for times when output is at its high, 3PL gives the manufacturer or retailer space based on real-time need. This saves the company money. At United Facilities our scalable warehousing services include:

Food Grade Storage
RF & Barcoding
Online Inventory Tracking
Temperature Controlled Storage
Performance Measurement
Equipment (Pull-Pack, Clamp, Roll Clamp, Four Fork, Basiloid)
Full Array of EDI Transaction Sets
Purchasing & Customer Service Administration
Quality Control Inspections
Recouping
Customer-Specific Certification
Rail Service
Foreign Trade Zone
Cross-Docking
Special Labeling
FDA Approval

The strategically located logistics warehousing of UF are found in:

Risk Minimization

Risk assessment for a company is an important part of the management’s responsibility. Accordingly, it makes sense to outsource those areas where a firm’s expertise is not very strong. For example, outsourcing storage and distribution may reduce risks through the provision of:

Employees trained on the best ways to handle product
The infrastructure needed for warehouses and delivery vehicles – eliminating this resource drain for clients
The ability to keep supply chains in motion no matter what the situation

Accountability

When a company operates a multi-location national or international business, the weak link in the management of the supply chain is the lack of accountability that comes with multiple people managing product flow from suppliers around the world. Instead, using a 3PL contractor lets a business consolidate “touch points” needed for managing a supply chain that is effective and efficient. Also, using a 3 PL provider for outsourced storage and distribution processes keeps the entire supply chain under the control of the 3PL provider. Should a problem surface, a 3PL vendor is the only call a company needs to make.

Information Technology

Technology changes take place quickly and UF uses the best available people, hardware, and software to meet client needs. At United Facilities our capabilities are world class. Our IT capabilities and functions include:

Highly Available, Multi-Site Architecture to ensure Business Continuity.
Operate both turnkey and Industry Standard Warehouse Management and Packaging Systems.
Operate secure, World Class server-based network systems.
Experience integrating with Customer ERP Systems.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) via Applicability Statement 2 (AS/2).
Value Added Networks (VAN) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Custom EDI solutions
Full enterprise visibility and systems control.
Barcode / RF solutions.
RFID capability.
Customer application development tailored to Customer needs.
Solutions to any special labeling and handling requirements.
Productivity monitoring and measurement.
Full on-line 24/7/365 Support Desk for Application and Support Systems.
Technical Writing and Consulting Services.

A Wide Range of Services

3PLs offer businesses services that go beyond the confines of a warehouse. Many offer more accountability when they contract with a firm for items including:

Order management
Accounts receivable
Service technician performance and scheduling
Chargeback process

Using a 3PL for these tasks frees up employee hours and money that companies can apportion somewhere else.

So, outsourcing to a 3PL has significant benefits – still, it is an extensive decision as a company that partners with a 3PL cede ownership of their supply chain to outside control. This makes it imperative that businesses choose a 3PL partner with deep knowledge of the manufacturer’s or retailer’s industry.

For global operations, 3PL partners can reduce much of the stress of conducting business in foreign countries. A solid 3PL company delivers on essential needs for daily operations and when extraordinary conditions arise.

So, How Does a Manufacturer or Retailer Choose A 3PL?

Once a decision is made to contract with a 3PL, potential vendors must be vetted. The following points should make the decision-making process easier.

An advantage of using the services of a 3PL is scalability. Accordingly, companies need to investigate if the potential 3PL vendor has the warehouse capacity to expand and contract as the needs change. This is known as bi-directional scalability
Advanced 3PL vendors provide you with cloud-integrated platforms – this is cutting edge technology that allows them and clients to get real-time information for supply chain and freight operations.
Many options for shipping and warehousing are available – the more shipping and warehousing options a potential 3PL has contracts for, the better it is for a manufacturer or retailer. More options mean more opportunity for savings.
Top references from others in your industry – satisfactory and good references are not good enough. Companies want to choose a 3PL vendor whose references extol the 3PL company in every way – nothing less is acceptable.
Hand-in-hand with great references is a great track record. Companies looking at contracting with a 3PL must seek those with an impressive track record. Things to look for include being a state-of-the-art company and do they have a number of long-term clients?
The recent bankruptcy of the Hanjin Shipping Company shows that financial stability is mandatory for a 3PL firm that receives a signed contract. During the interview process when searching for a 3PL provider the contracting company should ask for a list of the 3PL firm’s partners and vendors. Appropriate follow-up is to contact these partners and find out if they routinely make timely payments? Has the 3PL provider followed through on issues?

There are few other decisions a company makes that are as important as choosing an excellent 3PL partner – exercising an elevated level of due diligence brings the reward of a company’s supply chain running smoothly 247.

United Facilities is a Prominent 3PL Provider

When you maximize the performance of your supply chain, you're really maximizing the performance of your business. At United Facilities, our third-party logistics (3PL) company provides the professional services, systems and teams required to meet even the most demanding packaging situation - and keep your business moving forward.

Services Provided by United Facilities

From inbound logistics and finished goods to warehousing and product assembly, United Facilities can keep you moving forward with total supply chain solutions. Our team is focused on accuracy and attention to detail. We provide third-party logistics management services and serve as regional distribution centers for Fortune 100 companies, especially those in the consumer goods and automotive sectors.

No matter the business, no matter the product, United Facilities has the systems and solutions you need to maximize the performance of your supply chain - and your business. From final-stage packaging and kitting to complete logistics management of your supply chain, we are among the top 3PL companies for complete supply chain management solutions.

For more information, call (866) 699-7271 to request a quote now!

MAXIMIZE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE.