Thoughts on What Makes a Good Logistics Provider

by logisticsplus | Feb 24, 2021 | News

There’s an article we saw posted last week on the Global Trade magazine website entitled “What Makes a Good Logistics Provider?” written by Chris Hale, the Founder & CEO of Kountable, Inc. Mr. Hale’s company operates a platform that vets trade service providers, constructs deals and manages trade execution for a large volume of trades into challenging markets. As result, his firm has learned by necessity to identify the hallmarks of high-quality logistics providers and to note the red flags that signal ineffective ones. These are the qualities they look for in logistics partners they recommend to their clients, along with some comments about how Logistics Plus is an example of a logistics partner who has those same traits.

Experienced – A wave of brand-new companies have sprung up looking to fill the demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Always work with logistics companies that have been in operation for a number of years. Not only does this show that the company has a history of success, but experienced logistics providers will have a better understanding of local regulations and possible sticking points.

Logistics Plus will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We were “born from the ribs” of GE Transportation as a lead logistics company. We have enjoyed growth every year, and today we have over 500 employees and over $300 million in global sales.

Good Customer Service Team – A professional, knowledgeable and robust customer service team will not only facilitate clear communication but is a sign of a quality company. Clear and effective communication from logistics providers also saves traders time and energy building and executing trades.

Logistics Plus humbly prides itself on providing award-winning customer service. In recent years, our services have been recognized as best-in-class by distinguished industry resources, such as Global Trade, SupplyChainBrain, Multichannel Merchant, Transport Topics, and others. Although we have transformed into a technology company as much as we are a logistics provider, it is still the quality of our people and the support they provide that sets us apart. 

Responsive – It is important that logistics providers respond to messages quickly and are proactive in providing updates. When goods arrive at the right place on time, this should be communicated quickly. When communication is slow and sporadic, it is often the case that the company is unorganized, or goods are not where they are supposed to be.

Logistics Plus maintains a very flat, nimble, and responsive organizational structure. This allows us to be very responsive to our customers’ needs. Every employee is provided a company-issued mobile phone and we make it known that our customers expect 24/7/365 service to ensure their goods are delivered on-time. Our technology supports responsive communications by providing proactive tracking reports, weather impact dashboards, and other business intelligence that allow our employees and customers to more effectively manage their supply chains. 

Diligent – The logistics of international trade are complicated. Attention to detail is necessary as goods change hands and pass-through ports. A diligent company will have the correct documentation for the goods and communicate effectively with the necessary parties, avoiding tax penalties, delays, and confusion that cut into revenue.

Logistics Plus is a global company with employees and offices in over 30 countries around the world. As a prominent international freight forwarder, we manage hundreds of thousands of import and export shipments around the world. We know diligence is important, which is why we also have a full-service customs brokerage and global trade compliance team to help keep us and our customers on pace with the changing rules of global trade. 

Registered with Appropriate Government Agencies – Logistics providers must be registered with the necessary agencies to do business in the jurisdictions in which they operate, such as the local revenue authorities. It is important to confirm that the company is registered to conduct business in the countries where the goods are to be picked up and delivered, and anywhere they may land in between.

Logistics Plus maintains transparent certifications and compliance with all domestic and international agencies. Additionally, we are participating in many governmental programs focused on security and sustainability, such as CTPAT and SmartWay. 

Global Presence – A global presence is both useful and a sign of a reputable logistics provider. However, many logistics providers do not operate globally. Minimally, the company you choose should operate in the countries relevant to the transaction. Established companies with a large presence are often more experienced, and may be able to offer additional services, or deal with complications more quickly and easily than smaller operations.

Logistics Plus has a network of people and resources that touch over 30 countries worldwide, and we have additional contacts and connections in many other countries. Whether it is standard freight forwarding cargo or big heavy-lift project cargo, we have engineers and logicians around the world making it happen.  

In addition to the comments noted above, check out the “What it means to be A 21st Century Logistics Company” article we posted last week which includes additional traits shippers should expect from contemporary logistics providers.

Check out the Global Trade magazine website at www.globaltrademag.com for other good articles on global trade and logistics. Global Trade has named Logistics Plus a Top 50 3PL the past two years and there is an active Logistics Plus Profile in the Global Trade “Find a Partner” online directory.