Is Your 3PL Running You?
For many small and growing companies, outsourcing logistics to a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider seems like a no-brainer. You get access to industry expertise, infrastructure, and technology without the headache of managing warehouses and transportation. But what happens when your 3PL—your supposed partner—starts calling the shots?
Many businesses unknowingly surrender too much control to their logistics providers, leading to inefficiencies, inflated costs, and a lack of transparency. If you don’t have someone on your side managing and holding your 3PL accountable, you might not even realize how much it’s costing you.
Your 3PL Works for You—Not the Other Way Around
A 3PL can be a great partner, but don’t forget: they are a for-profit business. Their goal is to maximize their own revenue, and that doesn’t always align with keeping your costs low or optimizing your operations for efficiency. Too often, companies take their 3PL’s recommendations at face value, assuming they have their best interests at heart.
Signs Your 3PL Might Be Running You:
Hidden Fees & Inflated Costs – Are you seeing unexpected charges on your invoices? Many 3PLs sneak in extra fees for storage, handling, or even “administrative” services.
Rigid Processes That Serve Them, Not You – If your 3PL dictates how and when orders are fulfilled without flexibility, they may be prioritizing their convenience over your customer experience.
Lack of Visibility – Do you have real-time access to inventory and shipment data? If your 3PL controls all the reporting and analytics, they control the narrative.
Slow Response Times & Poor Communication – If every request takes days to process, or if your provider is slow to react to issues, they’re not operating in your best interest.
“Take It or Leave It” Attitude – A good 3PL works with you, not against you. If your provider resists renegotiating terms or adjusting to your needs, they might be treating your business as an afterthought.
Who’s Managing Your 3PL Relationship?
The biggest mistake small businesses make is assuming their 3PL will self-regulate. You need someone in your corner—a knowledgeable advocate who understands logistics, contract negotiation, and operational efficiency. Without oversight, you’re at the mercy of the “experts” who may not be prioritizing your bottom line.
How Peak Ops Advisors Can Help:
Evaluate Your Current 3PL – We conduct a deep-dive audit to identify hidden costs, inefficiencies, and areas where you might be overpaying.
Negotiate the Right Partnership – If you’re choosing a 3PL, we’ll ensure you get fair pricing, flexible terms, and service-level agreements (SLAs) that actually protect you.
Ongoing 3PL Management – We act as your operations watchdog, ensuring your provider is delivering on promises and adapting as your business scales.
Take Back Control of Your Supply Chain
Your 3PL should be an asset, not a liability. If you suspect you’re overpaying, underserved, or simply not in control, it’s time to act. Peak Ops Advisors is here to help you take back control, optimize costs, and ensure your logistics partner is truly working for you.
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to take a hard look at your logistics operations, let’s connect. Whether you need a 3PL evaluation, a contract renegotiation, or a long-term strategy, Peak Ops Advisors has the expertise to ensure your business is well represented.
-Tony
