What to look for in a 3PL partner

Choosing the right pallet storage solution for your business can be challenging. With short-term, long-term, ambient, chilled, external and a range of other solutions available, it can be difficult to know which solution best fits your needs.  

The type of storage you require will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, how much space you require, the type of product you’re storing and whether you need any additional services.  

You want your logistics partner to act as an extension of your business, not create unnecessary challenges or leave you feeling like it would be easier to manage in-house.

Location

The location of the warehouse should be one of the most important factors you consider when choosing a logistics partner.

Having a storage location that is in close proximity to good road transport links is essential for keeping your supply chain moving. At Pall-Ex Logistics, we have our flagship 3PL warehouse ideally positioned in the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Northampton, along with 120 storage locations throughout the UK, so you can store your freight exactly where you need it.

Storage requirements

Every warehouse is going to have different facilities available, and if you have specific requirements such as temperature-controlled storage, it is essential that your logistics provider has the correct set-up.  

For freight that’s oversized and requires significant floor space, such as bricks or steel beams, external storage could be the ideal solution. External storage is often a more cost-effective alternative to storing inside a warehouse and is well-suited for more hard-wearing goods. Freight such as non-perishable food, certain medications and household items typically require ambient storage, which involves keeping the warehouse between 15°C and 25°C.

Having a 3PL partner that can meet all of your requirements is essential, and working with a provider that is BRCGS or FORS accredited and a member of the UKWA can give you extra security and peace of mind.   

Value-added services

If you’re looking for a complete 3PL partner who can support you with storage, fulfilment and distribution, this requires a slightly more sophisticated operation. However, having all of your logistics requirements managed by one provider means a more efficient and cost-effective service.  

At Pall-Ex Logistics, we offer a flexible, reliable 3PL solution that can scale with your business, supporting you throughout the entire storage, fulfilment and distribution process.  Get in touch with the team today for more information.  

If you need any guidance on what type of storage is best suited for your freight, one of our 3PL experts will be able to advise you on the best solution.

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