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11
Mar
2021

How To Choose A Suitable 3PL Provider To Meet Your Needs?

by Michael Kotendzhi | Food & Drink
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The choices are not easy when it comes to select “the” 3PL provider to expand your business. Undoubtedly, the first choice will always be seeking the well-known or larger-scaled 3PL in the industry as it would seem like they can offer better rates and resources. On the other hand, when your business just starts to grow, so you are looking for that flexibility and smaller required volume to start the partnership. At the end, perhaps seeking a mid-sized 3PL may just lead your way into finding a more suitable partner that meet the needs just the way your business require.

Large 3PLs have the most advantages in the industry that offer a wider array of services with more specializations. Also, the capacity of trucking and distribution are comfortably on a larger scale which can handle the seasonal peaks, and the servicing areas can spread wider on an international level. However, larger 3PLs are often focusing more on customers with larger volume to ensure the steadily stream of business which make it difficult to accommodate the individual needs other than the dominant customers.

Small 3PLs often handle a smaller scope of work with restricted capacities and services. The potential of handling seasonal spikes therefore is lesser due to the limited asset and resources it may come with, compared to the larger 3PLs. Nevertheless, the partnership is more intimate with each customer that allows extra accommodations and efficient communications.

Hence, a medium 3PL is standing in between the two sizes of potential providers that may offer more. Many mid-sized 3PLs provide more combined services between distribution and transportation such as re-packing, cross-docking, warehousing, etc. Especially in Vancouver, British Columbia, the consumer market contributes to the birth of many retailers in all different levels that urgently seek a 3PL partner in all trades.

As a reputable provider, 18 Wheels Logistics specializes in third-party logistics, third-party warehousing, alcohol beverage copacking, and transportation in Western Canada.


Michael Kotendzhi is President of Operations & Transportation and a partner at 18 Wheels. Michael has over 15 years of experience and is equipped with a degree in Logistics from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. As well as a background in logistics from XPO Logistics (formally Kelron Logistics), North America's largest contract warehousing provider.

Michael's experience includes supply chain management, reverse logistics, & domestic transportation. He has developed 18 Wheels' trucking solutions, effectively utilizing the sister company's vehicle fleet and building a transportation supply-chain network across North America.