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support -- and increasingly, business intelligence. As technology improves and 3PLs become more practiced at aligning results with customer expectations, their ability to contribute in this way can lead to significant competitive advantages. 8. Provide actionable business intelligence. More than just providing systems support and relevant information, your 3PL should work to leverage its ability to gather and assimilate relevant information with its logistics expertise to benefit your organization in specific ways. That is, through account management with qualified, talented logistics personnel, armed with industry knowledge and supply chain acumen, your 3PL can function as your strategic business resource. 9. Share proven best practices. The world-class 3PLs do business with thousands of shippers and carriers. This exposure allows them to see many different problems, and forces them to provide solutions that are effective, competitively priced, flexible, scalable, and replicable. Some of these solutions are so unique that they cannot be used on a widespread basis, and some of the solutions are so effective that companies require confidentiality and non-disclosure. However, many of these practical, working solutions are based upon principles and approaches that can be commonly applied to many companies, situations, and supply chains. Under such circumstances, the customers benefit tremendously from the learning curve. 10. Reduce your risk profile. Each company faces a multitude of risks in daily business. Some of these risks are well-known and managed accordingly; other risks are less than obvious, unanticipated, and can arise from rapidly changing conditions. There are risks of commission, and many more risks of omission. The 3PL you choose to have a significant relationship with should be able to lessen many of your identifiable risks. It should also be able to work with you to develop a more comprehensive understanding of your less-obvious risks, using its industry knowledge, and its unique perspective on supply chain management. Further, its business savvy, management of carrier and vendor relationships, and financial strength can lessen the general risks that the average shipper/customer encounters. Bio Jim Butts is senior vice president at C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., a non-asset based 3PL providing global multimodal transportation services, produce sourcing and logistics solutions based in Eden Prairie, Minn. He can be contacted at Jim.Butts@chrobinson.com.
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