Logistics services facilitate the flow of goods throughout the supply chain — from where it is created or sourced to its final destination. Logistics management services include several components, such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management and order fulfillment, to enhance operational efficiency.
Working with a reliable logistics service provider has numerous benefits for businesses, including cost savings resulting from order accuracy and minimal shipment delays. Effective logistics also improve customer satisfaction by ensuring timely deliveries with minimal errors. This guide breaks down the basics of logistics services to provide you with the knowledge you need to choose a provider.
Logistics Services Defined
Logistics services refer to the efficient management of goods as they move from one point to another throughout the supply chain. The scope of logistics services encompasses numerous supply chain processes, such as:
- Inventory management.
- Order fulfillment.
- Transportation.
- Packaging design.
- Warehousing and storage solutions.
- Route planning and optimization.
- Order tracking or monitoring.
- Last-mile delivery.
- Customs clearance assistance.
Types of Logistics Services
Logistics services can be divided into two main categories — domestic and international services. Domestic logistics services involve managing the movement of products and raw materials within the borders of one country. International logistics services involve controlling the movement of goods across one or more international borders before the products or materials reach their final destination.
Different types of logistics services suit clients with varying needs. Explore some of the most important types below.
1. Warehousing Services
Warehousing services allow businesses to store their products until they’re ready for shipping to their final destination. Outsourcing your warehousing services to a third-party logistics service provider can spare you the cost of purchasing or leasing an entire warehouse. Warehousing services also help to optimize inventory levels and ensure timely order fulfillment.
2. Freight Logistics Services
Freight shipping or transportation involves the steps taken to move goods from one point to another. Companies ship products to ports, warehouses and customer destinations via trains, ships, trucks and airplanes. A logistics transport service provider will help you choose the appropriate transportation method and provide numerous other logistics services, like optimizing routes and minimizing shipping costs.
3. Inventory Management Services
Inventory management helps maintain accurate and optimal stock levels. When you work with a logistics provider for inventory management, they will track and maintain inventory levels. They will typically implement inventory management systems to improve demand forecasting, track product movement and ensure timely stock replenishment.
4. Specialized Services
Specialized logistics services cater to a business’s unique transportation and handling needs. They’re designed to facilitate the flow of unique products, such as high-value, hazardous, oversized and overweight goods. These goods require high levels of expertise, specialized vehicles and specific handling equipment.
5. Customs Services
Shipping goods overseas requires navigating complex regulations. A reliable logistics provider that offers customs services will help you comply with laws while optimizing your supply chain. They have a comprehensive knowledge of global customs programs and will help your business avoid costly mistakes.
Who Provides Logistics Services?
When you first started your business, you may have handled the logistics yourself. However, as your operations grow, you may want to outsource to an independent logistics service provider.
Logistics service providers offer various services for a wide range of businesses in different industries. Some specialize in specific logistics services, while others provide a wider range. Here’s an overview of the three main types of logistics companies:
- First-party logistics (1PL) providers: Companies that handle all their logistics in-house are 1PL providers.
- Second-party logistics (2PL) providers: 2PL companies primarily coordinate the transportation of another business’s goods.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) providers: 3PL providers offer more comprehensive transport and logistics services for clients, including warehousing, transportation and inventory management.
EMO Trans is a full-service 3PL logistics brokerage firm offering customized solutions to cater to the unique needs of every client. Our custom logistics solutions aim to ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods, increase operational efficiency, and keep your business agile. We simplify global logistics by serving as your single point of contact and offering exceptional customer service.
We plan, execute and manage the flow of goods from point to point. Our global shipping services utilize the latest technologies to allow more control over global logistics processes and systems. Our clients can track the locations of their shipments in real time, from booking to proof of delivery.
Who Needs Logistics Services?
Businesses rely on logistics service providers to enhance delivery times, reduce costs and save time. Any business can outsource logistics to ease the burden and allow them space to focus on core business tasks. Some of the businesses that would benefit from logistics services include:
- E-commerce businesses: Online retailers work with logistics service providers to facilitate the safe and timely delivery of products they sell online.
- Machinery part manufacturers: Manufacturers partner with logistics service providers to ship parts domestically or internationally.
- Health care businesses: Shipping health care goods requires careful attention to detail to ensure products remain safe. Logistics service providers can offer temperature-controlled solutions and ensure businesses know where their shipments are at all times.
- Wine and beer brands: Preserve the taste of your wine and beer shipments with the help of a logistics services provider.
Numerous other businesses can leverage logistics services to enhance their operations. You should consider outsourcing logistics services if you’re looking to:
- Minimize shipping and transportation costs.
- Optimize shipping and delivery routes.
- Improve movement and handling of goods.
- Boost customer satisfaction and improve retention rates.
- Reduce risk and minimize damage to products during handling, storage and transportation.
Contact EMO Trans for Logistics Services
EMO Trans is a leader in customized global logistics. Our premium global shipping services can help you overcome obstacles like complying with regulations and navigating customs. We utilize air freight for fast deliveries or ocean services to deliver oversized cargo across borders. With more than 250 network offices in over 120 countries, you can trust our experience and expertise.
While our processes ensure minimal losses and damage, we also offer our clients the option of cargo insurance on every shipment. Our specialized third-party logistics services can also help you optimize your supply chain with value-added services like direct customer support, on-site logistics staffing and specialized management information reporting.
Contact our team online today if you have more questions about our third-party logistics services.
