Is your e-business ready to handle the growth in online sales and meet customer demand in a timely and efficient manner? This is where partnering with a 3PL e-commerce provider can make a significant difference.

According to EMarketer, US retail ecommerce sales will reach $1.720 trillion by 2027, hitting a milestone of more than 20% of overall retail sales.

This growth is driven by the increasing convenience of online shopping, advancements in mobile technology, and the expansion of delivery options, such as same-day and next-day services. As more businesses pivot to digital platforms, it’s becoming essential for retailers to invest in e-commerce logistics solutions and optimize their supply chains to meet the rising demand. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are playing a crucial role in helping e-commerce businesses manage the growing volume of online orders efficiently and cost-effectively.

Public Warehousing Is a Perfect Fit for E-Commerce

By their very nature, e-commerce businesses must be lean and efficient to entice customers to buy from their website rather than a retail store, catalog, or competing online store. But are you taking advantage of one key resource that can really impact your bottom line and bring added savings and enhanced service to your customers? Partnering with a Cincinnati 3PL or a 3PL company in the Midwest can provide essential support for your logistics needs.

Outsourcing logistics makes smart business sense, especially in the e-commerce world. For home-office-based internet businesses, a 3PL e-commerce partner is essential for storing products, managing inventory, and moving goods efficiently. Larger e-commerce companies and retail businesses engaged in B2C and B2B e-commerce are also discovering the economic benefits of outsourcing warehousing and distribution for e-commerce operations.

Adding Up the Savings

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, our clients frequently share how our e-commerce logistics solutions directly impact their bottom line. Here are the top 6 ways we help e-commerce businesses save:

1. Saving on Infrastructure – By using Brendamour’s warehousing and distribution services, an e-commerce business doesn’t need to invest in its own infrastructure. We even offer office rental space with secretarial and phone services for when you need to meet clients or vendors or access office amenities.
2. Significantly Lower Warehousing Costs – We distribute our overhead costs across all our warehousing clients based on space usage. This means everyone pays much less than they would if they had to lease space themselves and cover equipment, utilities, and staffing costs.
3. Reduced Shipping Costs through Consolidated Shipping – E-commerce merchants often ship different items to the same location. Our advanced technology consolidates deliveries to the same address into one package, reducing shipping and freight costs.
4. Less Costly Order Fulfillment – Returns can be a significant cost for online companies. Our automated e-commerce order fulfillment system ensures what the customer ordered is sent out correctly and arrives in good condition. This accuracy minimizes the costs of returns, including reverse logistics and restocking.
5. Technology Update Savings – E-commerce merchants using our services don’t need to worry about upgrading logistics hardware, software, and equipment. As logistics is our core business, Brendamour stays on top of advancements in web-based warehouse management systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools to benefit our clients.
6. Scalability As Needed – Most e-commerce businesses start small and grow over time. As a 3PL e-commerce supply chain management provider, Brendamour Warehousing has the flexibility to support your growth, no matter how quickly or slowly it happens.

The Benefits of a 3PL for E-Commerce Businesses

For e-commerce companies looking to reduce fulfillment costs, establish a distribution network in the U.S. and abroad, lower shipping expenses, and improve customer service, partnering with a 3PL e-commerce provider makes perfect sense. By outsourcing your e-commerce logistics solutions, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment.

Contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services today to learn more about how our Cincinnati 3PL services can help your e-commerce business thrive. Let us show you why partnering with a 3PL e-commerce provider is the best move for your business.

Location! Location! Location! It’s important in real estate, and it’s equally important when choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Having a Midwest 3PL that is centrally located in the United States brings with it numerous benefits, both from an operational and financial perspective. Whether you are shipping across the country or internationally, a 3PL company in the Midwest offers the perfect geographical advantage for your supply chain.

Geography Matters to Your Product Distribution

Let’s face it, it can be a nightmare trying to figure out the logistics of distributing your goods to all corners of the U.S. without spending a fortune. You need to determine the best route, the best mode of transportation, whether multiple carriers are needed, scheduling shipments, delivery times, and those are just the basics. With so many factors involved with warehousing and distribution, partnering with a Midwest 3PL that offers comprehensive 3PL solutions in the Midwest can simplify your entire logistics operation.

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services is centrally located, with four facilities strategically situated in:

• Cincinnati:
  • Blue Ash, Ohio
  • Evendale, Ohio
• Northern Kentucky:
  • Florence, Kentucky
  • Erlanger, Kentucky

Our warehousing and distribution facilities are geographically located smack in the middle of all access, whether it’s rail, air, road, or barge. Being in the middle of the country in the best logistics corridor in the U.S. means we can provide your business with these advantages:

• Reduced Fuel Prices. Since prices at the pump don’t look like they’ll stabilize downward any time soon. With our regional coverage, our distribution covers a whole lot of other cities more efficiently to save on fuel.
• Overall Operational Savings.Since the cost of living in the Midwest is lower than larger metropolitan areas and the East and West coasts, doing business in the Midwestern United States is going to be less expensive in general.
• Established Distribution Infrastructure. The Midwest has long been a central hub for distribution, dating back to the nation’s early days. Today, this legacy continues with advanced logistics networks that ensure goods move quickly and efficiently.

How a Midwest 3PL Reduces Business Costs

With a Midwest 3PL like Brendamour Warehousing, businesses can benefit from significantly lower operational costs. Our automated equipment and advanced warehouse management system are designed to improve efficiency in inventory management, transportation, and logistics. By leveraging our 3PL solutions in the Midwest, you gain access to cost-saving opportunities that include:

• Pay For What You Use. A warehousing model where you only pay for the space and services you use, helping you avoid unnecessary overhead.
• Cost-Effective Logistics Options. Brendamour can manage your entire logistics operation, providing a streamlined, end-to-end solution that reduces asset costs and increases efficiency.
• Strong Regional Transportation Networks. This allows us to negotiate the best shipping rates for your business.
• Shipping Method Options. Access to a variety of shipping methods, including international logistics, giving your business capabilities it might not otherwise have.
• Logistics Expertise. Expertise in the policies, procedures, and security measures at key ports, airports, and other essential connections, ensuring your goods are handled efficiently. This expertise saves your business both time and money.
• Warehouse & Distribution Solutions. Our solutions can handle both raw materials and finished goods, consolidating your internal and outsourced logistics efforts to maximize savings.
• Global Distribution. Brendamour Warehousing is a certified foreign trade zone, which offers additional cost-saving opportunities for businesses engaged in international trade.

Let’s Partner Together

Think of Brendamour public warehouses and distribution centers as your reliable anchor for storing and distributing your goods. By partnering with a Midwest 3PL, you can simplify your logistics operations while reducing costs. We also offer a range of other logistics services to complement your warehousing and distribution needs, including transportation management and supply chain consulting.

For businesses looking to take advantage of our 3PL company in the Midwest or 3PL solutions in the Midwest, contact us today to learn more. We can help you streamline your supply chain, improve efficiency, and boost your bottom line with our public warehousing and logistics services.

As each new year approaches, it brings a wave of fresh trends and innovations, and the public warehousing industry is no exception. While these trends might not be as flashy as the latest fashion styles or the color of the year, the advancements in public warehousing and distribution are set to be game-changers for both businesses and their customers.

Reflecting on the significant shifts that shaped the industry in 2024, we can anticipate even more transformative trends as we head into 2025 and beyond.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five public warehousing and logistics trends that Brendamour Warehousing and other industry leaders have identified.

1. The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical assets that are embedded with sensors, software, or other electronics to give them network connectivity capability so they can collect, send, receive, and exchange data.

A lot is being discussed about the IoT and how it can be applied to different applications throughout various industries. In logistics, the IoT allows businesses with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to integrate all aspects of inventory, warehousing, and distribution activities between the public warehouse it partners with and that facility’s warehouse management system and transportation management system.

This network of connected devices, in turn, gives businesses mobile access to their performance data at any time. This allows for increased accuracy, improved efficiency and reduced costs, essential ingredients for competing in today’s global marketplace.

2. Increased Automation and Robotics

The use of warehouse automation and robotics will continue to grow, with advancements in AI and machine learning driving more efficient operations. These techologies will likely become more prevalent, reducing labor costs and increasing speed and accuracy in order fulfillment:

• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
• Robotic arms
• Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)

We’re also seeing the adoption of drones in warehousing which can improve precision in inventory management and infrastructure surveillance. Drones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors can quickly and accurately track inventory, reducing errors and improving efficiency. They also play a crucial role in maintaining warehouse infrastructure, using thermal imaging and 3D mapping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. By automating dangerous or labor-intensive tasks, drones improve worker safety while allowing for seamless integration of real-time data into existing management systems. Despite challenges like regulatory compliance and initial investment costs, the benefits of drone technology make it a game-changer for the future of warehouse operations.

3. Advanced Data Analytics and AI Integration

Advanced data analytics and AI integration are becoming essential components in the modern warehousing landscape. By leveraging big data, warehouses can gain deeper insights into their operations, allowing them to make more informed, data-driven decisions. AI enhances this capability by analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, optimizing inventory management, and predicting demand more accurately. This enables warehouses to maintain optimal stock levels, minimizing the risk of overstocking or stockouts, which can be costly for businesses.

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, takes this a step further by forecasting future trends based on historical data, market conditions, and other relevant factors. This advanced forecasting allows warehouses to anticipate demand more precisely, ensuring that they can meet customer needs without holding excess inventory. As a result, order accuracy improves, supply chain operations become more streamlined, and businesses can achieve greater efficiency and cost savings, making AI-driven analytics a crucial tool for staying competitive in the evolving market.

4. Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability will be a key focus, with warehouses adopting green practices such as energy-efficient lighting, solar power, and zero-waste operations. We suspect there will be a push towards carbon-neutral warehouse practices, with companies investing in renewable energy sources and sustainable packaging solutions.

5. Collaboration With Third-Party Logistics Providers

A full integration of all systems cannot be accomplished without collaboration among all those involved in a company’s supply chain. But in 2016, businesses will more fully recognize the value of partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.

A 3PL goes beyond public warehousing and distribution to offer other key logistics services. As an example, Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution is a 3PL because it offers a full array of logistics services, including:

• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Processing
• Packing
• Contract trucking
• Importing and exporting

Collaborating with a 3PL instead of doing logistics internally or using separate vendors affords businesses the opportunity to tap into vast industry knowledge and trends. Consolidating these services often comes with discounted pricing and advantages for businesses due to partnerships their 3PL partners can secure on things like freight and distribution carriers.

Embrace The Trends

Facing a new year brings both excitement and challenges. However, businesses can ease those challenges by hiring the help of a public warehouse with 3PL services.

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, with locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, can help you identify your business needs and establish a plan of action to ensure your supply chain and associated logistics work efficiently and deliver savings to your business. We’re always thinking about new trends in warehousing and distribution and how we can improve our services. 

Get your questions answered by contacting Brendamour today for a free consultation.

You came to the conclusion that you need a third-party logistics (3PL) provider and selected the best one for your company’s needs. Now, you need executive approval in order to get things moving with your 3PL warehouse proposal. But getting your boss to sign off may not be that easy.

Try not to get discouraged. Instead, arm yourself with plenty of data and information that will make approving your proposal a no-brainer. These guidelines will help you in presenting your case.

These guidelines will help you in presenting your case.

Link Your Company’s Goals With Your Proposal

Your company leadership has established a vision and runs the company based on that vision. Any new initiatives or changes in the way the company currently conducts business needs to demonstrate how it aligns with the vision and goals of the company.

The choice you made for a public warehouse needs to address your company’s strengths and weaknesses. Outline how the 3PL provider will meet the needs of the company and why you chose this vendor over others.

A good way to present your information is in a compare and contrast format. Show which 3PLs you compared, why you selected them, their strengths and weaknesses, the logistics services they provide, and their costs.

Address Concerns at the Start

Whether you’re proposing a 3PL to supplement your existing warehousing and distribution functions, or to replace your current logistics infrastructure, it will have a major impact on current daily operations.

The change could cause concerns for existing staff, resources, and protocols, so be ready to address them up-front and defend your stance. It’s helpful to show how the 3PL will free up more staff and resources to perform duties that are important to the company’s core activities, or how a 3PL will allow the company to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Some other concerns you can expect to hear and need to answer are:

• Is the third-party provider equipped with the latest warehousing equipment, software, and other essential technology? How often does it upgrade?
• How easily can the 3PL scale to company growth?
• What type of warehouse management system does the public warehouse facility use?
• What evidence is there that the third-party logistics provider can handle high demand seasons?
• How much staff does the 3PL employ and what type of employee training programs are used?
• How responsive and flexible is the outsourced logistics supplier?

Show Bottom Line Results

No matter the size of the business, the executive level of any company has to keep an eye on the bottom line. In particular, the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), and chief operating officer (COO) are responsible for ensuring that their efforts are realizing a profitable bottom line for the company.

If you want to make a case for using a 3PL, make sure to include these key points in your proposal:

• Budget: you have to present a budget for the service and show the savings throughout the entire supply chain. You have to be specific in showing the return on investment in a dollar amount for the initial year and then project the savings over at least five years.
  • Demonstrate how distribution costs would drop because the 3PL has negotiated lower rates with an established network of carriers in all modes of transportation.
  • Document the total cost of using a 3PL versus not using one and remaining status quo. You’ll want to drill down these savings. As examples:

• Show how storage space would be better utilized by outsourcing to the public warehouse.

• Document Solutions & Have a Solid Argument: Remember, other departments are competing for dollars to implement their proposals, so you need to have a solid argument for why using a 3PL for warehousing, distribution, and logistics will save the company money and help in achieving its goals.

Let Brendamour Warehousing Help

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services is the 3PL choice of many Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky companies, big and small, and of all industries. We have 4 locations in the Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky area, we’ve been a strong 3pl solution in the midwest for over 40 years.

If you need help convincing your boss that a 3PL like Brendamour is the way to go, simply get in touch with Brendamour Warehousing. Our leadership team can help you with your 3PL warehouse proposal by showing how our services can benefit your company.

We’ll be happy to show you and your executive team why so many businesses are benefiting with Brendamour as their 3PL!

Outsourcing your warehousing functions can be a strategic move to help align resources with your company’s core competencies. Whether you need extra inventory space when in-house storage is filled to capacity, require seasonal warehousing for peak demand times, or are expanding into a new line of business, renting warehouse space offers numerous advantages.

If you’re still uncertain whether outsourcing your warehouse and distribution functions is the right choice, here are 5 key warehouse benefits.

1. Access to Valuable Resources

When you rent warehouse space, your business gains access to advanced equipment and technology typically used by third-party logistics (3PL) providers. For instance, at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, companies benefit from sophisticated warehouse management systems, precise inventory management and tracking, highly automated order fulfillment processes, and customizable racking systems.

In addition to technology, renting warehouse space also provides access to highly trained personnel skilled in safe material handling, reducing the risk of damage to your goods. This immediate access to a full suite of logistics services, available as needed, not only accommodates your business but also helps lower overall operational expenses.

2. Cost-Effective Market Expansion

Business growth often comes with significant expenses that can quickly deplete available capital. By opting to rent warehouse space, companies can enter new markets or expand globally without the need for substantial investments in new facilities.

Outsourcing warehousing, distribution, and other logistical operations to a 3PL provider allows businesses to lower costs related to infrastructure, personnel, equipment, and technology. This approach frees up capital, enabling businesses to reinvest in expanding their market reach.

3. Faster and More Affordable Delivery

In today’s market, end customers expect fast delivery, which can strain a company’s resources. Renting warehouse space from a public warehouse allows businesses to meet these distribution demands cost-effectively. A 3PL warehouse typically has an established, streamlined distribution system that covers all facets of transportation management, whether it’s by:

• Land
• Rail
• Air
• Sea
• Including local delivery options

This fully automated system identifies the most efficient and cost-effective routes to deliver your products to end customers. Such a system is often unmatched by companies where distribution is not a core competency.

4. Space Optimization

Businesses that need more space in their primary locations can optimize their operations by renting warehouse space. This approach frees up valuable square footage at the main headquarters, allowing companies to expand without the need for a new building. Additionally, it eliminates the added expenses associated with:

• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Equipment
• Other overhead costs

5. Flexibility

Renting warehouse space offers businesses the flexibility to scale operations as needed. Companies pay only for the space and services they use, allowing them to adjust their storage and logistics needs during peak times, such as the holiday season, when demand may be high.

At any time, businesses can tap into the 3PL resources of a public warehouse to ensure their goods are quickly and efficiently distributed to meet consumer demand.

The Brendamour Advantage

Brendamour provides numerous warehouse benefits for businesses looking to rent warehouse space in Cincinnati. With four expansive locations near major highways and airports, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services offers secure, clean, and well-maintained facilities that cater to a wide range of logistical needs. By renting warehouse space and utilizing Brendamour’s 3PL services, businesses can streamline their operations and focus on what they do best.

Contact us today for your free consultation.

Our name – Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services – says it all. We’re logistics specialists, but that only touches the surface of the many different services we provide to businesses. After all, every business is unique in what it needs from a public warehouse company, so we don’t limit ourselves to the types of amenities we can provide to meet those unique needs. We are located in the midwest, with 4 locations between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

To demonstrate just how wide-ranging our services can be, we’ve created a Top 10 list of the top ways businesses are using Brendamour’s services. We hope our Top 10 list introduces you to the many tasks Brendamour can perform for you.

1: Public Warehousing in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

It’s our specialty, but we do much more than just warehouse your products. While many businesses using our services store their finished goods or raw material either long or short term, there are others that store raw materials, food grade products, or machinery because our public warehouse is equipped with specialized racking storage and bulk storage systems.

2: Distribution

Shipping and receiving are also among our specialties, but there are many ways we manage and distribute goods for our clients. Some of our warehousing clients have asked us to do a distribution of phased shipments, while other businesses might need stock rotation, palletizing, or computer inventory as part of their distribution services. Some clients need us to store and compile special materials, and many companies rely on us for order fulfillment and order processing. This might entail order picking, readying an order for a single shipment or continuous movement, or pick and pack.

3: Transportation Management

When it comes to managing the transportation of goods for our clients, we have lots of avenues to tap into to get the best service at the lowest price. The majority of businesses use our contract trucking services, which include interstate and intrastate freight transportation. For smaller businesses, we have contracts with all the major shipping carriers and even provide local delivery and pick-up services.

4: Foreign Trade Services

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution and Services is a designated foreign trade zone. This means we can store, test, assemble, relabel, repack, repair, or perform other services on products outside United States commerce without incurring import duties. We have businesses that are importers who use our foreign trade zone to export from our warehousing facilities in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky without paying duties, except when transporting products for sale in the United States. However, by using our foreign trade zone, those duty charges are much lower.

5: Packing Services

We offer custom packing services, such as crating or boxing. We can also provide custom packing of certain goods. We developed our packing services to be flexible to meet the diverse needs of any business.

6: Special Processing

Bundling, Labeling, Stretch Wrapping and Inspection are just some of the many special processing services we do for our warehousing clients. Our special processing services are far-reaching to accommodate the wide-ranging requests we receive.

7: Assembly Work

Assembly work is one of our many popular support services. We have the resources to perform assembly work and ensure the work is done to your quality standards. Among the types of assembly work we have done for our clients are kitting, building club store pallets or displays, and light assembly.

8: Office Rental Space

Our office rental space developed from a need we recognized among our clients, particularly companies with a traveling sales force or e-commerce businesses, who needed a place to perform business functions. We offer single and multi-office arrangements and provide secretarial or phone answer service, computer and word processing services, and copy services.

9: Import and Export Services

Brendamour has relationships with the top import and export service companies. We are able to coordinate with them to ensure that your products are taken care of from their origin all the way to our warehouse. With these relationships you never have to worry about your products in transit.

10: Bulk Mailing

Very few third-party logistics providers offer bulk mailing as part of their processing services, but Brendamour Warehousing believes it’s a service important to our clients’ success. We’ve done advertising kit preparation and have the capabilities to handle all aspects of bulk mailing processing.

How To Contact Brendamour Warehouse, Distribution & Services

If your business needs a Cincinnati Warehousing partner or any of these services listed above near Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Our Top 10 list is just a snapshot of what Brendamour Warehousing does every day for businesses of all types and sizes. If there’s a service you need done but don’t see it on the list, simply contact us here or call us at (513) 247-0077. We’re sure we can meet your needs.

Thanks to e-commerce, small businesses can extend their personal service nationwide and even globally, all while maintaining their small business values. How is this achievable? Through the support of a 3PL for small businesses.

What Services Do 3PL Companies Provide?

A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that offers outsourced logistics and supply chain management services to other businesses. These services can include a range of activities such as:

• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Order fulfillment
• Inventory management
• Packaging
• Freight forwarding and more

By partnering with a 3PL, small businesses can streamline their logistics operations, reduce costs, and focus more on their core activities, such as product development and customer service. 3PL providers leverage their expertise, technology, and networks to deliver efficient and effective logistics solutions, making it easier for companies to scale and manage their supply chains.

Small businesses are known for their personalized and exceptional customer service. It’s why many consumers choose to shop at a small company over a big box store or large retail chain.Small businesses that have yet to tap into a public warehouse with logistics services are missing out on the many benefits a 3PL can provide to make it easier for them to provide their personalized customer service without location restrictions.

3PL Public Warehouses Help Small Businesses Fulfill Customers’ Needs

Besides personalized service, small businesses pride themselves on knowing their customers’ history, likes and dislikes, and needs so they can make the best recommendations when they come to shop.

Developing this one-on-one personal service is vital for small companies as they build ongoing relationships that keep customers coming back.

No matter whether the customer is in your local community or hundreds of miles away, a 3PL allows small businesses to build these trusting relationships with their customers by providing reliable order fulfillment and distribution services.

3PLs Match the Flexibility of Small Businesses

One of the many advantages small businesses have over large companies is flexibility. Because of their size, small companies are quick to change and try new things to appeal to their customer base. A 3PL is equally flexible and has the logistics services in place to help small businesses quickly bring a product to market.

Enhancing Your Customer Service with 3PL for Small Businesses

Customer service is the cornerstone of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Just like small businesses, 3PLs offer attentive, accurate, and quick service to ensure customer satisfaction. They understand that exceptional service is crucial for building long-term relationships and maintaining trust. By providing personalized solutions and being responsive to clients’ needs, 3PLs enable seamless logistics operations. This commitment includes:

• Timely and transparent communication
• Proactive problem-solving
• Dedication to exceeding expectations

When customers shop at a small business, they have specific expectations, which can be integrated into an e-commerce website. However, small businesses often lack the resources for fulfilling and delivering orders compared to larger companies. This is where a 3PL can make a significant difference.

Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services is Your Small Business 3PL Solution

Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services with locations in Cincinnati, OH and Northern Kentucky can be your local 3pl company. Our sophisticated warehouse management system makes it possible for small businesses to get your goods to your customers quickly, accurately and efficiently.

We can be flexible and pivot with you, for example:

• Fulfill goods and shipments for an online flash sale
• Custom pack products
• Assemble similar goods together at a moment’s notice based on customer feedback without having to dedicate additional resources
• And more

Customer Service

Customer service is at the center of what we do. We have the systems, equipment, technology, and people in place to deliver red carpet service to you and your customers. We treat everyone like part of the family and deliver the customer service you expect and deserve.

Our 3PL For Small Business Process

Our process involves first evaluating your current supply chain and optimizing it for efficiency. Next we’ll confirm the necessary and essential services your small business needs. We can also help with negotiating carrier rates.

Learn more by contacting our Brendamour team, your Cincinnati 3PL partner, and see how a public warehouse with 3PL services can benefit your small business and provide your customers with a seamless shopping experience.

Our 3PL For Small Business Process

As you look for 3pl companies for small businesses, imagine what success looks like as you go beyond a brick-and-mortar store and personally interact with customers nationally and worldwide by partnering with our Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky based Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services.

Deciding whether to outsource logistics is a critical question for many companies, especially when dedicating precious resources to non-core processes may not make sense. Outsourcing logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider requires trust, but the benefits—in terms of profitability and customer satisfaction—often make it worthwhile.

So, how do you determine if outsourcing logistics is the right move for your business? Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

Analyze Key Performance Indicators

Before deciding whether outsourcing logistics to a 3PL provider is the best route, conduct a thorough analysis of key performance indicators. Consider the cost of your current supply chain operations, compare in-house logistics versus outsourcing, and evaluate the financial impact on your company and its stakeholders.

Additionally, analyze the performance of your existing supply chain to identify any gaps or challenges that may be costing your company money. This analysis should also consider the suitability of outsourcing in alignment with your overall supply chain strategy.

Involve key personnel from operations, sales, and accounting in this analysis to gather a comprehensive perspective on the potential benefits of outsourcing third-party logistics.

Outline Your 3PL Expectations

After analyzing your key performance indicators, outline your specific goals for using a public warehouse with 3PL services. Most businesses seek to achieve one or more of the following objectives:

• Reduce costs
• Increase revenue
• Enhance capabilities

However, within these broad goals, different companies may have varying priorities. For instance, one business may aim to reduce operating costs, while another might focus on lowering capital investment or meeting downsizing objectives.

Similarly, a company may want to increase revenue by gaining supply chain flexibility and responsiveness, while another might be looking to speed up time-to-market or reduce customer response time.

Outsourcing logistics can also enhance capabilities, such as gaining access to advanced technology more affordably or creating additional or backup capacity.

Clearly identifying your goals will help guide your conversations with potential 3PL providers and assist in selecting the best fit for your needs.

Decide How Much of the Supply Chain to Outsource

A 3PL contract can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Most public warehouses offer a range of logistics services and can design a supply chain process that complements your existing structure.

You might choose to outsource specific aspects of your supply chain, such as warehousing, order fulfillment, distribution, or reverse logistics. Alternatively, you could outsource the entire supply chain operation.

Address Concerns About Outsourcing

It’s natural for companies to have concerns about outsourcing logistics. Common worries include the potential for higher costs, a drop in customer service levels, or a perceived loss of control over business operations.

It’s essential to address these concerns before making the transition to outsourcing. When interviewing potential public warehouses, be sure to discuss your expectations and any apprehensions so they can be addressed in the contract agreement.

Choose a 3PL Public Warehouse

An evaluation criteria checklist is a useful tool when selecting a public warehouse. The checklist should include functions such as procurement, warehousing, order fulfillment, customized packaging, and transportation management that you expect the 3PL provider to handle.

For each function, identify specific processes like inbound inspection, picking, tracking, and reporting. Then, develop evaluation protocols covering aspects such as product knowledge, customer interaction, service levels, and distribution response times.

Match this list against the capabilities of each public warehouse you’re considering. Pay close attention to the logistics provider’s facility infrastructure, technology, equipment, and personnel to determine if they can handle the scope and scale of your supply chain needs.

The goal is to ensure that the 3PL provider can execute your supply chain processes seamlessly, effectively, and efficiently.

Outsource to Brendamour Warehousing

We understand that setting up your supply chain operations with a 3PL can be challenging initially, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With 4 locations between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky we can meet your Ohio 3PL and Kentucky 3PL needs.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we have the expertise and asset-based 3PL resources to make your transition smooth and stress-free. We are committed to ensuring the success of your business by becoming a vital partner in your operations. Contact us to learn more about our warehousing, distribution, and logistics services and how we can customize them to meet your specific supply chain objectives.

By outsourcing your logistics processes to Brendamour Warehousing, your company can focus on its core business, knowing that your goods are being delivered to your customers efficiently, accurately, and on time. The result? Cost savings, high customer satisfaction, and a healthier bottom line.

Contact us by phone at (513) 247-0077 or fill out our inquiry form here.

When it comes to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, there are many similarities. We all conduct supply chain functions in various forms, focusing on increasing overall efficiency for clients while reducing costs. However, a key distinction exists: the type of assets involved. Understanding the difference between asset-based and non-asset-based 3PLs is crucial for making the right choice for your business.

What to Know About Asset Based 3PLs

Asset-based 3PL providers own some or all of the physical assets necessary for supply chain management. At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we are an asset-based logistics provider because we own our:

• Warehouses
• Racking Systems
• Lift Trucks
• Warehouse Equipment
• Computerized Warehouse Management Systems & other warehousing and distribution equipment

We also have contract trucking partnerships with interstate and intrastate trucking companies, allowing us to obtain the lowest possible prices for distributing your goods.

Owning assets enables asset-based logistics companies to offer complete supply chain solutions, from storing to moving goods, at a low cost. They can manage every step of the supply chain process in-house, ensuring greater control and efficiency.

Asset-based 3PLs also offer stability due to their long-term investment in operations. They are more likely to expand rather than close or relocate, providing consistent and reliable services without the worry of lease terminations.

Understanding Non-Asset Based 3PLs

Non-asset-based 3PL providers do not own their assets. Instead, they contract with various warehouses, distribution centers, and trucking companies to manage and execute their clients’ supply chain needs. This model allows for greater flexibility in handling diverse client needs and providing logistics solutions.

However, because non-asset-based logistics providers outsource responsibilities to other companies, there are more parties involved in storing and moving goods, increasing the risk of errors. With no assets at stake, non-asset-based 3PLs lack a long-term commitment to any location or business operation.

Choosing Between Asset and Non-Asset 3PLs

Selecting a third-party logistics provider involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of asset-based and non-asset-based 3PLs. Here’s a comparison to help with your decision:

Asset-Based 3PL	Non-Asset Based 3PL
Easy access and instant availability to trucks, warehouses and other logistics.	Greater flexibility in meeting diverse supply chain needs on a case-by-case basis.
High efficiency in managing all or part of your supply chain functions.	Costs depend on effective negotiations, but market changes may cause higher costs.
The lowest cost possible through the use of sophisticated warehouse management systems.	Relies on the personnel and work standards of numerous outsourced vendors, increasing the risk of error.
Dealing with one company with very few go-betweens reduces the risk of error.	Acts more as transportation consultants, determining the best method and price to move your product.
Expertise in managing their assets benefits their clients.	Larger database of logistics contacts.

Brendamour is Your Local Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Asset-Based Logistics Partner

At Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution, we offer the best of both worlds. We own the assets involved in warehousing, ensuring stability and efficiency, while leveraging our database of trusted carriers to move your goods effectively and efficiently.

Our goal is to serve your midwest 3PL needs, whether it’s warehousing, inventory control, order fulfillment, processing, packing, distribution, or office rentals. We also handle import and export needs and are a designated foreign trade zone. Think of us as an extension of your company, providing any service you need. Whenever you need extra support, think of us at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services.

Ready to streamline your logistics with a reliable and efficient partner? Contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services today! Call us at one of our 4 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky 3PL locations, email us at Info@Brendamour.com or fill out our inquiry form to discuss how we can meet your specific logistics needs. Experience the stability and efficiency of an asset-based logistics partner with the flexibility and reach of a non-asset-based provider. Let us help you achieve your supply chain goals!

If your company moves goods or services from one source to others, you’re doing some form of distribution. It could be a complex distribution channel that goes from raw materials to finished goods and involves multiple channels of producers, suppliers and users. Or, it could be a simple distribution from the source to the final customer.

Whatever the extent of your distribution, it’s important for any business to evaluate whether distribution, including the movement of payment and reverse logistics, should be handled in-house or by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.

But how do you determine whether or not you need a distributor. These four factors will help you figure it out.

1. Do Your Goods Present Distribution Challenges?

The size, weight, and shape of your goods may require your company to allocate additional resources to distribute them. Likewise, the amount of goods your company needs to distribute also can present challenges throughout the year.

When goods present distribution challenges, it’s always best to use a 3PL equipped to handle them. When choosing the best 3PL firm for your business, be sure to look at its capacity for distribution. It’s a factor that varies among 3PLs and will make a difference in how the logistics provider can meet your needs.

You might want to focus your 3PL search on those with multiple facilities, like Brendamour Warehousing, which as four state-of-the-art distribution facilities.

2. What Are Your Customers’ Needs?

Just as your goods may present challenges, so may the customers you serve. Some may need the goods bundled a certain way. Others may need their orders divided into separate shipments per quarter. Still others may need rush orders to meet seasonal demands.

A 3PL can help you evaluate your customers’ needs and fulfill them quickly. What’s more, a 3PL’s warehouse management system maintains ordering history profiles that trend the needs of your customers so you can better meet them in the future.

3. What Are Your Company’s Distribution Needs?

Besides meeting your customers’ distribution needs, your company also has to meet goals set by stakeholders. For example, if your investors have set a timetable for expansion into other market areas, outsourcing distribution can help meet those goals if your company is short on resources.

Public warehousing and distribution providers specialize in meeting the comprehensive needs of companies, no matter their type or size.

4. What Are Your Short-Term and Long-Term Distribution Goals?

When it comes to market focus, all companies approach it differently. Some do business in certain regions, while others reach out countrywide, or even globally.

If your short-term goals are to start out small and then expand your reach, you might opt to handle distribution in-house. But as your company expands, it might benefit more from the wide range of distribution routes that 3PLs provide.

Public warehousing and distribution services are core activities of third party logistics providers. They provide a means of getting your goods where they need to go that is efficient and cost-effective. And because their systems and processes are flexible, they can scale up as your company’s market reach expands.

Keep in mind, however, that some distribution providers may be limited in their reach. Some may service a certain region or not provide international trade. Others, like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, offers local, nationwide, and international distribution services.

In addition, if your company relies on manufacturers in other countries, you need a distributor, like Brendamour Warehousing, that not only handles import and export services, but is also certified as a foreign trade zone.

When determining your need for a distributor, it’s important to consider 3PLs that are capable of achieving both your short- and long-term goals.

When You Need Distribution, Rely on Brendamour

If an evaluation of your company’s distribution needs determines a 3PL to be your best solution, we invite you to contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. We will listen to your needs, evaluate your current processes, and show you how we can meet the needs of your company, its investors, and your customers.