How to Choose a 3PL Service for Chemical Logistics?

For a chemical company, selecting third party shipping companies can be a difficult task. After all, it is not just about speed and efficiency. It is also about safety. There are several safety risks and liabilities associated with the transport and storage of hazardous materials. As such, you need to be extremely choosy when selecting a 3PL provider to support your chemical goods supply chain.

Examine the Experience

The logistics company should certainly have been working for years with a robust network of shippers and carriers. More importantly, they should have experience in handling chemicals. It will be even better if they have worked with the same class of chemicals that you wish to move. After all, each chemical class has different rules on its handling techniques, storage, and transpiration.

You need a logistics company with considerable knowledge of your industry. Their expertise in your niche can be essential to giving you the best possible services.

Check Their Coverage

When transporting chemicals, it is always a good idea to keep the distance to a minimum. Frequent unloading and loading can always be a risk. A 3PL company with wide coverage is especially beneficial as it minimizes the distance your cargo needs to travel. This reduces costs as well.

How Good Is Their Network?

Each participant in the supply chain must be capable of delivering on its job with the utmost efficiency. This is where the network of a 3PL management company comes to the fore. A robust network of carriers can be invaluable.

How Much Will They Charge?

Costs will certainly be a factor for you. However, choosing a company simply because of low prices might lead to issues later on. Instead, you need to focus on the other aspects such as their capabilities, their customer service and their expertise level among others.

With respect to costing, make sure that the company is thoroughly transparent. 20Cube makes sure that this is the case. While cost is not a major factor, you should still expect the companies to provide competitive rates.