5 Tips for Choosing the Right Third Party Shipping Company

If you're a business owner, you know that shipping is a necessary evil. It's expensive and time-consuming, but there's no way to get around it if you want to send your products out to customers. That's why it's important to choose the right third party shipping company. But with so many options available, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are five tips for choosing the right third party shipping company.

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What Is A Third-Party Shipping Company?

A third-party shipping company is a company that provides shipping services to businesses that do not have their own shipping department or capabilities. These companies often specialize in shipping large items or orders and can provide a variety of services such as packaging, tracking, and insurance.

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Advantages of Using a Third-Party Shipping Company

There are many advantages to using a third-party shipping company. 

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Save Business Time and Money

Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can save your business time and money. Shipping departments can be expensive to maintain, and if you don't have a large volume of orders, it may not make sense to have your own shipping department.

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Shipping Cost Discounts

Another advantage of using a third-party shipping company is that you can often get a discount on shipping costs. This is because these companies ship large volumes of items and have negotiating power with shipping carriers. In addition, they may offer value-added services such as packaging and tracking that can save you time and hassle.

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Access to Expertise and Resources

When you use a third-party shipping company, you have access to their expertise and resources. These companies often have a deep knowledge of the shipping industry and can provide valuable insights and advice. In addition, they usually have relationships with different shipping carriers and can help you get the best rates.

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Improved Customer Service

Another advantage of using a third-party shipping company is that it can improve your customer service. This is because these companies are focused on shipping and have the resources to handle order fulfillment quickly and efficiently. As a result, your customers will receive their orders sooner and be more satisfied with your company's service.

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Disadvantages of Using a Third-Party Shipping Company

There are also some disadvantages to using a third-party shipping company. 

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Loss of Control

One of the main disadvantages is that you may lose some control over the shipping process. When you use a third-party shipping company, you are relying on them to handle all aspects of the shipping process. This can be beneficial if they are efficient and reliable, but if there are problems, it can be difficult to get them resolved. In addition, you will not have as much visibility into the shipping process and may not be able to track orders as closely as you would like.

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Increased Costs

Another disadvantage of using a third-party shipping company is that it can increase your costs. This is because you will have to pay for their services in addition to the cost of shipping. In some cases, the increased costs may be offset by the discounts you receive on shipping, but in other cases, it may not be worth it.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Right Third Party Shipping Company

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1. Evaluate your shipping needs

The first step in choosing a third-party shipping company is to evaluate your shipping needs. You should consider things like the volume of orders you need to ship, the average size and weight of your shipments, and whether you need value-added services such as packaging and tracking.

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2. Get quotes from multiple companies.

 Once you know what you need, you should get quotes from multiple third-party shipping companies. Be sure to compare apples to apples by looking at the same services and features. In addition, be sure to ask about discounts for volume shipping.

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3. Check the company's reputation.

Before choosing a third-party shipping company, be sure to check their reputation. Read online reviews and talk to other businesses that use their services. You want to be sure you're working with a company that is reliable and has a good track record.

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4. Ask about their packaging options.

If you need packaging services, be sure to ask about the packaging options offered by the shipping company. They should have a variety of packaging options to meet your needs. In addition, they should be able to provide custom packaging if needed.

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5. Make sure they offer tracking services.

Tracking is an important service for many businesses. Be sure to confirm that the shipping company offers tracking services and that they are included in the price quote. 

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Conclusion

 Choosing the right third party shipping company can be a daunting task, but if you follow these five tips, you're sure to find the perfect one for your business. At Conveyr, we build the tools 3PLs use to not only compete but to win new business. We know what it takes to make your shipping operation run smoothly and efficiently, so contact us today to see how we can help you get started.

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