fbpx
DB Schenker - Now That's Logistics
  • English
    • Español
    • Português
  • Insights
  • Shipping & Logistics
  • Digitalization
  • Trade
  • Industries
    • Aerospace & Defense
    • Automotive
    • Beverages
    • Chemical
    • Consumer
    • Electronics
    • Fashion & Retail
    • Healthcare & Pharma
    • Industrial
    • Marine Parts
    • Oil & Gas
    • Semi Conductor & Solar
No Result
View All Result
  • Insights
  • Shipping & Logistics
  • Digitalization
  • Trade
  • Industries
    • Aerospace & Defense
    • Automotive
    • Beverages
    • Chemical
    • Consumer
    • Electronics
    • Fashion & Retail
    • Healthcare & Pharma
    • Industrial
    • Marine Parts
    • Oil & Gas
    • Semi Conductor & Solar
No Result
View All Result
DB Schenker - Now That's Logistics
No Result
View All Result
Home Insights

8 Things to Look for in a Logistics Provider

Here are the top questions that all shippers should be asking as they shop around for a new logistics provider to manage their global supply chains.

June 24, 2020
8 Things to Look for in a Logistics Provider
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

This post is also available in: Spanish Portuguese (Brazil)

With more companies reinforcing their supply chains and improving their resiliency in the post-COVID business environment, the global logistics sector is on track to reach $3.2 billion by 2021—up from $2.7 billion this year.

This represents a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for a sector that’s being driven by an increased focus on the continued supply of essential goods, growing demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), and a renewed focus on supply chain stabilization.

As these shifts continue to become the “new normal” for companies across all industries, the need for reliable logistics providers will grow exponentially. By providing an array of transportation options, a complete portfolio of logistics offerings, and a menu of value-added options, reputable logistics providers will continue to be in high demand.

Not all Logistics Providers are Alike

Because not all logistics providers are alike, it’s important to put some time and effort into finding one that truly meets your company’s needs. Where one may specialize in ocean shipping logistics, for instance, it may not be able to assist with intermodal or truck transport. And where another may have deep expertise in the manufacturing space, it may not understand an industrial electronics distributor’s logistics needs.

In an industry that’s growing at a rate of 20% annually, it’s not unusual to see a host of new, inexperienced entrants vying for their share of that pie. For this reason, finding a logistics partner that has a lengthy, established reputation in the industry is generally the best strategy.

“Selecting a logistics partner isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly,” says Hessel Verhage, CEO, DB Schenker Americas. “It is essential to put the time and resources into finding a logistics partner that can quickly adapt to your organization’s needs.”

 

8 Key Questions to Ask

To make sure you’re selecting the best possible match for your company, be sure to ask these questions of the logistics provider that you want to do business with:

  • Do you provide a complete portfolio of services? If you need full supply chain support, find a provider that can review all of your distribution processes and leverage its knowledge to help you reduce costs and get to market faster. “These providers are able to view all of the processes involved in the distribution process, and use their expertise to create efficiencies across the entire supply chain,” Supply Chain Brain points out. “They can leverage cost across multiple services such as drayage, warehousing, and outbound distribution, resulting in lower costs and a better balance of needs.” If you plan on using multiple logistics partners, make sure you have the internal resources necessary to manage, administer, and orchestrate their activities.
  • Can we have references? Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call some of the logistics provider’s references for feedback on their services, reputation, and ability to deliver. “Be careful when doing an online check,” Global Trade Magazine “Some companies may fake testimonials on their site, so try to delve deeper into that research. You can also tackle this problem by asking for references of companies that use that freight company.”
  • Will you handle our drayage requirements? The global shipping market and infrastructure requires land-based operators and logistics providers to facilitate the handling of larger ships, container bunching, late deliveries, and other challenging situations. “Logistics providers must not only possess the ability to navigate the port landscape,” Supply Chain Brain points out, “but also must develop strategic relationships to be able to offer flexibility and solutions during smooth seas and in times of trouble.”
  • What storage options do you have? Storing your product for a period of time, or transferring, consolidating, or de-consolidating the product before it reaches final destination? You’ll need a logistics provider with a comprehensive warehouse solution. Be sure to factor in proximity of the warehouse to the port of entry and the final customer, Supply Chain Brain
  • What other special services do you provide? Look for a partner that can further enhance your supply chain with special services (i.e., storage in an overweight zone, temperature-controlled, racked or un-racked space, co-packing, re-packing, etc.), Supply Chain Brain notes, and state-of-the-art technologies that provide visibility into inventory and product tracking.
  • Have you worked with other clients in our industry? According to Inbound Logistics, logistics providers must be able to adapt to customer needs and satisfy demand with best-in-class service focused on cost efficiencies and superior quality. “Find a provider that has proven knowledge in your business area,” it advises.
  • Will our cargo be safe and secure at all times? Find out how the logistics provider ensures the safe delivery of a shipment from the moment it leaves the facility to the final destination. This is especially important when handling dangerous goods, Inbound Logistics “Transparency and integration of IT systems for transport and warehouse management also is vital. Ideally, the IT service provider operates with unified global core systems enabling seamless information flow.”
  • Do you have a worldwide presence? Having a strong presence in markets around the world ensures a single point of contact throughout the process. In addition, the diversity of customs regulations and individual security precautions of destination countries can create obstacles. “With a provider that operates internationally,” Inbound Logistics points out, “you gain the market knowledge, including customs regulations and foreign trade compliance, of other parts of the world.”

 

This is just a sampling of the questions that shippers should be asking their logistics providers with the goal of selecting one that possesses the expertise, experience, and resources needed to successfully manage transportation logistics in an integrated, streamlined way.

Tags: Featured
Next Post
Providing 24/7 Customer Service During COVID-19 in Peru

Providing 24/7 Customer Service During COVID-19 in Peru

RECOMMENDED

Top 15 Ports in The Americas

Top 15 Ports in The Americas

March 16, 2018
Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Chile’s Port of Valparaíso

Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Chile’s Port of Valparaíso

December 19, 2022
Top 15 Ports in the Americas 2019

Top 15 Ports in the Americas 2019

June 24, 2019

DB Schenker awarded Excellence in Value Creation by Cisco

September 27, 2016

TRENDING

3 Things You Need to Know about Importing Chocolate

Three Things You Need to Know about Importing Chocolate

February 2, 2017
Thought Leadership Updates with Joe Jaska

Thought Leadership Updates with Joe Jaska

December 18, 2023
Thought Leadership Updates with David Buss

Thought Leadership Updates with David Buss

January 4, 2024
The Port of Manzanillo — Poised for Growth

The Port of Manzanillo — Poised for Growth

May 15, 2018
DB Schenker Recognizes its Valuable Team Members on Employee Appreciation Day

DB Schenker Recognizes its Valuable Team Members on Employee Appreciation Day

March 4, 2022
DB Schenker Logo

DB Schenker is the world's leading global logistics provider, delivering over 150 years of premium performance and transportation solutions. One call gets our customers on the fast track to nearly 2,000 locations in all of the world's most important economic regions.

Contact Us

United States
+1 (800) 225-5229 (in USA)
+1 (602) 458-6200 (outside USA)
www.dbschenker.com/usa
Canada
+1 905 676 0676
www.dbschenker.com/ca

Categories

Visit Us

• DB Schenker Americas
• DB Schenker Canada
• DB Schenker Careers
• DB Schenker USA
• Trade Advisory Solutions

Follow Us

• LinkedIn
• Twitter USA
• Twitter Canada
• Facebook

© 2022 Schenker Americas, Inc. | Privacy Policy

We use cookies in order to optimize our website and continually improve it. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can find further information on cookies in our privacy policy. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
No Result
View All Result
  • Insights
  • Shipping & Logistics
  • Digitalization
  • Trade
  • Industries
    • Aerospace & Defense
    • Automotive
    • Beverages
    • Chemical
    • Consumer
    • Electronics
    • Fashion & Retail
    • Healthcare & Pharma
    • Industrial
    • Marine Parts
    • Oil & Gas
    • Semi Conductor & Solar
  • pt-br Português
  • fr Français
  • es Español
  • en English

© 2022 Schenker Americas, Inc. | Privacy Policy