Shipping freight can be simple when you have one pickup, one delivery and a carrier you already work with. But things can get complicated quickly when you are dealing with oversized equipment, cross-border shipping, multiple carriers, storage, tight timelines or special loading requirements. A 3PL, or third-party logistics provider, helps manage those moving parts for you. Instead of your team arranging every carrier, schedule and delivery detail, a 3PL helps coordinate the shipment from start to finish.
What Does a 3PL Do?
A 3PL helps businesses plan and manage freight.
Depending on the shipment, this can include:
- LTL and full truckload shipping
- Hotshot freight
- Oversized or specialized loads
- Cross-border shipping
- Warehousing and storage
- Freight forwarding
- Final delivery
- Loading and unloading coordination
For more complex jobs, it may also include crane, rigging or industrial moving support.
When Does Using a 3PL Make Sense?
When Your Shipment Has Several Moving Parts
If you are working with multiple carriers, pickup locations, delivery times or types of equipment, managing everything yourself can become time-consuming. A 3PL gives you one point of contact to help keep the shipment organized.
When You Are Moving Oversized or Unusual Freight
Large machinery, construction materials and oversized equipment often need more planning than a standard shipment.
You may need to consider:
- Weight and dimensions
- Trailer type
- Permits
- Route restrictions
- Loading equipment
- Site access
- Unloading requirements
A logistics provider experienced with specialized freight can help plan these details before the truck arrives.
When You Are Shipping Between Canada and the U.S.
Cross-border shipments can involve additional paperwork, scheduling and coordination. This becomes even more important when the shipment is oversized, time-sensitive or requires special equipment. Using an experienced logistics provider can make the process easier for your team.
When Freight Needs to Be Stored Along the Way
Sometimes a shipment cannot go directly from pickup to delivery. Equipment may arrive before a site is ready, or several loads may need to be stored and delivered in stages. A 3PL can help coordinate transportation, storage and the final delivery schedule.
When Pickup and Delivery Require More Than a Truck
Some freight needs additional work before or after transportation.
For example, industrial equipment may need to be:
- Dismantled
- Lifted and loaded
- Transported
- Stored
- Unloaded
- Moved into place
In these cases, it can be easier to work with a company that can help coordinate the entire move instead of hiring several separate providers.
Do You Always Need a 3PL?
No.
If you regularly ship simple freight on the same routes and already have reliable carriers, you may not need additional logistics support. A 3PL becomes more useful when the shipment is unusual, complicated or outside of your normal shipping routine.
You may want help if your shipment involves:
- Oversized freight
- Multiple carriers
- Cross-border transportation
- Storage
- Tight delivery dates
- Special loading or unloading
- Difficult site access
- Crane or rigging requirements
The goal is simple: make a complicated shipment easier to manage.
What Should You Look for in a 3PL?
When choosing a logistics provider, look for experience with the type of freight you are moving.
Ask whether they can help with:
- Specialized freight
- Cross-border shipping
- Oversized loads
- Storage
- Permits
- Loading and unloading
- Crane or rigging support
- Final delivery
A good logistics provider should also ask detailed questions about your shipment before recommending a solution.
Need Help Planning a Shipment?
Can Ridge provides third-party logistics support throughout Canada and the United States, including LTL, full truckload, oversized freight, cross-border shipping, hotshot service, warehousing and specialized transportation. For more complex projects, Can Ridge can also coordinate logistics with industrial moving, crane and rigging services. If your shipment needs more than simply booking a truck, contact Can Ridge to discuss the project and request a quote.