QUIZ: See if you could benefit from a 3PL!
How do you know when your small to midsized business (SMB) needs a third-party logistics (3PL) provider? Answer a few questions below to see if partnering with a 3PL like Unishippers could make shipping easier and more efficient for your business!
What are the benefits of a 3PL services provider?
If you're an SMB juggling growing logistics needs and managing shipping in-house, a 3PL solutions provider like Unishippers can step in to streamline operations, reduce costs and give you back valuable time.
Below are eight clear signs it's time to explore the benefits of a 3PL provider — especially one that understands SMB shipping.
1. Your Shipping Needs Are Getting More Complex
As your business grows, so does the complexity of your shipping. Managing multiple modes like parcel shipping, less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL) and international shipments can overwhelm even the most organized teams. A logistics provider like Unishippers helps you simplify the process by offering custom 3PL solutions that scale with your business. Our franchisees tailor strategies that meet your specific shipping needs, including freight, parcel and specialty shipments.
2. You Ship Frequently But Can't Access Volume Discounts
Shipping more doesn't always mean paying less — unless you're part of a large network that can provide favorable rates. As a 3PL solutions provider, Unishippers leverages the combined volume of over 113,000 customers to secure competitive rates with UPS® and top freight carriers that individual SMBs often can't secure on their own. That means big savings for you and your customers.
3. You Want To Level Up Your Shipping Strategy
A smart shipping strategy goes beyond saving money — it's about optimizing delivery times, reducing transit risk and improving customer experience. Our 3PL services include expert insights and analytics, along with user-friendly technology, to help you choose the right carriers, blend freight and parcel for efficiency and fine-tune delivery methods. That means we help you build a strategy that supports short- and long-term growth at scale.
4. You're Facing Packaging Issues
Improper packaging — for both parcel and freight shipping — can lead to damaged goods, unexpected fees and unhappy customers. Our team helps SMBs avoid these pitfalls by guiding you on best practices — from reducing DIM weight fees to selecting sustainable materials. Let us help you ensure that your packaging is cost-effective, protective and compliant with carrier standards.
5. You Need Better Shipping Technology
A robust TMS shipping platform is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. But buying your own tech stack isn't feasible for many SMBs. That's why Unishippers provides shippers with myUnishippers™, a proprietary TMS for both parcel and freight. You can rate shop, track shipments, view reports and integrate your e-commerce platform — all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
6. You Don't Have Confidence In Your Carrier Network
Partnering with the right carriers can make or break your shipping success. With Unishippers, you gain access to 75+ LTL and 45,000+ FTL carriers. You also reap the benefits of Unishippers being part of the largest nonretail authorized reseller of UPS® in the nation. We've already done the legwork so you don't have to — giving you more confidence with every shipment.
7. You Need Better Scalability for Seasonal or Business Growth
It can be challenging as an SMB to handle fluctuating shipping volumes, whether it's due to seasonal spikes or rapid business growth. A 3PL provides flexibility to scale your shipping operations during holiday seasons or product launches. Unishippers will help you efficiently manage increased demand without the need for significant in-house investments.
8. You Need Help When Things Go Wrong
Shipping disruptions happen — and when they do, they can derail your day. With Unishippers, you don't have to troubleshoot on your own. Our dedicated support team helps SMBs resolve issues quickly, whether you're dealing with a lost parcel, damaged freight or claims filing. When challenges arise, we're in your corner to keep your operations running smoothly.
So, is a 3PL worth it? Contact Unishippers and decide for yourself!
If you've nodded your head “yes” at any of the reasons above, then it's time to consider partnering with a 3PL services provider. Unishippers offers expert guidance, cost-saving strategies and scalable 3PL services built for growing businesses.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation today and discover how Unishippers can give your business the shipping support it needs.