How 3PLs Are Innovating with Managed Services
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are no longer just responsible for moving freight—they’re expected to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions that provide visibility, flexibility, and optimization. In today’s competitive landscape, managed services have emerged as a critical differentiator, allowing 3PLs to offer enhanced execution, control, and analytics.
However, one size doesn’t fit all. To succeed with managed services, 3PLs need a flexible, configurable transportation management system (TMS) that adapts to their clients’ specific requirements. Customers want the flexibility to take advantage of the ability to log in, enter orders, receive real-time updates, and manage shipments effortlessly depending on their business needs—while the 3PL maintains the flexibility to manage operations at scale. 3G understands this shift, providing a partnership-first approach to help 3PLs navigate today’s complex logistics landscape.
Why 3PLs Need a Flexible TMS for Managed Services
To offer managed services effectively, 3PLs must overcome key operational challenges:
- Customers Expect More Control – Clients want access to self-service portals where they can add orders, monitor shipments, and request changes without needing direct intervention.
- Real-Time Updates Matter – Visibility is critical. Managed services require the ability to push shipment updates, track carrier performance, and resolve issues proactively.
- Different Clients, Different Needs – Each customer has unique operational requirements. The TMS must provide the flexibility to adjust workflows, business rules, and reporting accordingly.
3PL Managed Services Core Capabilities
- Execution & Optimization – Ensure efficient load planning, route optimization, and shipment execution.
- Carrier & Rate Management – Support multi-carrier selection, real-time rate shopping, and contract pricing visibility.
- Operational Controls & Analytics – Give 3PLs complete visibility into transportation operations, with features such as:
- Carrier Performance Monitoring
- Safety & Insurance Oversight
- Customizable Reporting & Dashboards
- Contract Management – Track and manage carrier agreements, compliance, and rate structures effectively.
- Audit & Payment – Automate freight auditing, invoice reconciliation, and payments to improve financial accuracy.
The Role of Portals in Enabling Managed Services
A flexible managed services model requires seamless access points for different stakeholders:
- Customer Portal – Allow clients to enter orders, check shipment status, and make adjustments.
- Quick Ship Portal – Enable rapid shipment execution for small to mid-sized clients.
- Vendor Portal – Give vendors the ability to submit shipment details and track compliance.
How 3G Empowers 3PLs with Managed Services Technology
To effectively scale managed services, 3PLs need a TMS designed for flexibility and control. 3G provides the technology to:
- Offer a Customizable Managed Services Model – Configure business rules, workflows, and automation based on unique customer needs.
- Enable Carrier & Rate Optimization – Integrate with national, regional, and niche carriers through API and non-API connectivity, ensuring access to real-time rates and contract-based pricing.
- Improve Transparency for Clients – Provide real-time visibility, self-service tools, automated notifications, and customer portals.
- Enhance Financial Accuracy – Automate freight audit, contract rate enforcement, and payment reconciliation.
- Seamless Enterprise Integrations – Connects with ERP and WMS systems, Business Intelligence tools, and third-party partners to eliminate data silos and improve operational efficiency.
Future-Proofing Your 3PL with Managed Services
As the logistics industry evolves, 3PLs need scalable, adaptable solutions to keep up with changing customer demands and industry challenges. Implementing a robust managed services model helps:
- Ensure Long-Term Scalability – A flexible TMS allows 3PLs to scale operations efficiently, adapting to new customer requirements and shifting industry trends without requiring significant infrastructure overhauls.
- Leverage Data-Driven Decision Making – Advanced automation and analytics provide deeper insights into transportation performance, helping 3PLs make proactive, data-backed decisions that improve cost efficiency and service quality.
- Strengthen Competitive Advantage – By offering value-added managed services, 3PLs can differentiate themselves in the market, providing enhanced visibility, operational efficiency, and real-time collaboration tools to clients.
Conclusion
Managed services are redefining the role of 3PLs, offering higher efficiency, better customer engagement, and greater financial control. Companies like Crane Worldwide Logistics have leveraged 3G’s solutions to launch and scale their managed services operations successfully.
By adopting 3G’s powerful, flexible solutions, 3PLs can deliver best-in-class managed services while maintaining full operational oversight.
Ready to elevate your 3PL with managed services? Talk to 3G today and see how our technology can help.
