3PLs, or Third-Party Logistics, Explained

3PL Service - Warehousing and Shipping

What is third-party logistics?  

The origin of the name ‘Third-Party Logistics’ is unspecified; however, companies have been outsourcing to them since the 1970s. By the 90’s and 2000’s, 3PLs began expanding their services due to the introduction and growth of eCommerce.  Today, many companies use 3PLs. However, for a company to outsource, they must first be large enough to warrant a 3PL. If your company plans on outsourcing, it is essential that you have an adept understanding of what it is prior to investing. 

Third-party logistics, also known as 3PLs, are purchased professional services that help businesses execute logistic services. 3PLs involve the outsourcing of eCommerce logistics processes such as, warehousing, inventory management, transportation, global shipping, information technology and fulfillmentOn the most basic level, their services support all aspects of shipping operations and are typically integrated into a company’s warehousing and transportation procedures in order to help a business succeed.  

3PLS are an underlying service provider that usually focus on discrete functions of business supply chain operations. The amount of help and services you choose to accept may depend on the needs of your growing company, but ultimately their involvement is decided by you. They can provide one service or multiple services that cover your supply chain.  

The goal of a 3PL is to generate supply chain efficiency. Leading 3PLs will go above and beyond to enhance a company’s operational, financial and end customer performance. By providing services such as industry forecasting, outsourcing can save a company a great deal of time and money. They are essential in executing productive operations for a company without causing them to lose money.  

As previously mentioned, the major functions of a 3PL include: Information Technology, Global Shipping, and Transportation.  

Information technology is used to manage warehouse operations, eCommerce, customer relationships, and transportation. Application programming and cloud-based systems are essential tools utilized by 3PLs to retrieve, analyze and distribute vital data. These tools provide increased visibility to the process of a supply chain and ensure the fine conditions of shipments in transit. 

Global shipping is service 3PLS oversee to ensure that all requirements of trade compliance are met, budgets are controlled, and plans are properly executed.  

When it comes to transportation, 3PLs manage carriers, insurance, private fleets and can even lower transportation costs for a company. Because transportation is an essential part of the supply chain operations, 3PLs aim to develop solutions for complex challenges and drive efficiency to ensure a successful execution of business plans. 

Autoline Industries has two impressive warehouse facilities in both the United States and Hong Kong. Our team supplies, markets and distributes the highest quality products across a variety of industries around the world. Autoline Industries is equipped to warehouse and ship products on behalf of companies while keeping them up to date every step of the way. Our services include warehousing products, fulfilling orders, forwarding, freight, Southbound forwarding, and Northbound forwarding. If you have any questions regarding third party logistics, or to discover if these services are right for you, feel free to contact us online or by phone at 480-829-8100

Manufacturing and Distribution company, Autoline Industries, Expands Operations to Distribute Face Masks During Pandemic

Disposable Face Mask Distribution

Manufacturing and Distribution company, Autoline Industries, Expands Operations to Distribute Face Masks During Pandemic

MESA, Ariz. (May 5, 2020) – Autoline Industries, a manufacturing and distribution company specializing in aftermarket automotive performance parts and mil-spec components for defense, aerospace and commercial industries, has recently expanded their operations to provide necessary personal protective equipment during the 2019-nCoV outbreak.

Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, the Autoline team had been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak after first learning about it in late December 2019. Realizing that the situation was getting progressively worse, President and Founder, Nick Jackson, pulled his team together to discuss how they could help their communities combat the spread of the virus.

Team members unanimously decided to pool their existing resources and relationships to begin manufacturing and distributing face masks and face shields to address the shortage under a new brand, “Huuman”.

The collection of team members that went to work on Huuman understood the value that personal protective equipment could serve early on and made it their goal to supply their communities with the resources necessary to slow the spread of the virus. They began by distributing Disposable Face Masks and KN95 Respirators, a temporary approved alternative to the N95, to local healthcare facilities, business and individuals. By making the masks available to the general public, retail sales were able to better protect individuals when social distancing was not an option, as well as drive the company’s ability to donate to those in dire need of PPE but otherwise lacking access. A portion of all proceeds has gone to donations, with over 3500 masks distributed over the past two weeks to local non-profits such as A New Leaf and Christian Care, as well as communities in need, like the Navajo Nation.

Huuman also utilized 3D Printers and the engineering team at Autoline to begin creating Face Shields for hospitals on a donation basis only. The completely transparent face shields offer high quality, distortion free protection of the eyes, nose and mouth by reducing exposure to aerosols, blood, bodily fluids and other splashes or sprays. Although designed to cover the full face, from eyebrows to chin, the face shields are recommended to be used in conjunction with other protective equipment.

Due to current events and following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, Huuman has prioritized providing in demand face masks. However, the team is committed to development is actively seeking new ways to support the ongoing efforts against COVID-19. For additional information, product details, and donation inquiries, please visit huumangear.com

 

About Autoline Industries

Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, Autoline Industries is an innovative manufacturing and assembly company specializing in aftermarket automotive performance parts and mil-spec components for defense, aerospace and commercial industries. Autoline Industries has been locally owned and operated and proudly serving a multitude of industries across the greater southwest region since its founding in 2003.

Learn more at autolinemfg.com or follow Autoline on social @AutolineMFG.