What are 3PL and 4PL Logistics Services?

What Are 3PL and 4PL Logistics Services?

Logistics terminology is quite confusing for anyone who understands layman’s language. There are distinct parties involved in logistics, i.e. Party Logistics. The numbers in this regard begin from 1PL to 5PL. We are providing a simple overview of 1PL to 5PL for proper clarification of these terms. Please check out the forth-given definition of all 5 five terms-

  • 1PL stands for the manufacturer, i.e. the farmer in the case of the fresh produce. 
  • 2PL stands for transportation as well as storage, i.e. the courier delivery of the product from the production to stores. 
  • 3PL denotes the role of logistics service providers. These companies have fleet trucks and transportation mediums to fulfill the logistics work. 
  • 4PL signifies supply chain management, wherein all the manufacturer's work is outsourced to the logistics company. 
  • 5PL denotes the solution optimization and complete business solution that enables the logistics company to take care of the business from production to delivery

Now that you are clear about the party logistics, it is easier for you to dig deeper into understanding the functionality of 3PL and 4PL. In the next step, we will get well-versed with full-fledged knowledge of 3PL logistics service

Read More

Follow your Shipments with Easy-To-Use GPS Tracking System

Follow Your Shipments With Easy-To-Use GPS Tracking System

GPS (Global Positioning System) technology represents one of the most innovative advances of our time. More and more fleets worldwide will be using it for driving directions and vehicle monitoring in the coming years.

Using GPS tracking devices makes it easy to track anything you’re interested in, whether a car, truck, drone, suitcase, cell phone, boat, or anything else.

A few decades ago, tracking shipping containers was a semi-accurate process. In the beginning, we mainly used GPS for tracking. It was impossible to monitor where your shipments went after they left the port in most cases. But now, it's easy to locate your shipments by using of GPS tracking system.

Even though most organizations have visibility issues in their supply chains, many still have concerns about smart container tracking.

Keep reading as I will discuss how to track your shipments with GPS, discover its uses in business, and why you need to track your shipments. Have a look!

Read More

Alibaba Alternatives: 10+ B2B Sites Like Alibaba to Source

Alibaba Alternatives: 10+ B2B Sites Like Alibaba to Source

The category of E-commerce in which transaction befalls between two businesses, for instance; wholesalers and retailers do business together, is called B2B or business to business. Each corporation profits similarly through the utmost B2B models. They might naturally have a similar privilege. B2B E-commerce can yield a diverse shape.

Read More

List Of B2B Industries for Distributors & Suppliers In 2023

List of B2B Industries for Distributors & Suppliers In 2023

For increased exposure and lead generation purposes, more and more manufacturers and wholesalers are ensuring their presence on the top B2B marketplaces so they can connect with businesses and individuals all around the world.

Technology has changed the ways for buyers and sellers to buy and sell. Moreover, online procurement increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic due to store closures and travel restrictions, as well as increased time spent online. This is why various brands tried to provide their services online for the very first time and lead them to generate outsanding growth.

Discover the top 10 b2b marketplace for suppliers and manufacturers in Asia and beyond.

Read More

From First Mile To Last Mile: How Logistics Changed Over The Last Year!

From First Mile To Last Mile: How Logistics Changed Over The Last Year!

In March 2019, the Wuhan province of China experienced an outbreak that later led to the shutdown of supply chains on a global scale. This outbreak was followed by a lockdown in all of China and, within a few months, the world. Thanks to these lockdowns, many problems were about to arise which would lead to complications for several industries essential for the world. 

The pandemic gave rise to the identification of numerous vulnerabilities within localized and international supply chains, such as dependency on a limited number of suppliers for the import of materials needed in manufacturing, and the lack of efficiency within small-scale logistics companies. 

However, the resilience of private and public entities alike has helped the human race overcome the adverse conditions that were exposed and accelerated by Covid-19. This exposure later allowed industries to maximize their efficiency by the integration of innovation within human resources and technological innovations as well. 

By March 2020, production and shipping levels had recovered to 92% of pre-pandemic production levels, exactly a year after the original outbreak. And today, we’re going to talk about the extensive effects of Covid-19 on the pandemic, and how logistics has evolved over the past year to overcome unexpected adversities. 

Read More

A Strategic Guide to help Procurement Managers efficiently work with their Supplier

A Strategic Guide to Help Procurement Managers Efficiently Work With Their Supplier

Read More

What is Inventory Optimization?

What is Inventory Optimization?

Read More

freight forwarders

Reasons Why Hiring An International Freight Forwarder Is Beneficial To You

Read More

Logistic Automation Will Shape The Future Of Logistics and Warehousing

Logistic Automation Will Shape The Future Of Logistics and Warehousing

In logistics, automation or automatic control refers to the use of control systems, machinery, or software to increase operational efficiency. It usually refers to processes that must be carried out at a warehouse or distribution centre with the least amount of human intervention possible. In fact, there are numerous procedures that could be automated along the supply chain (procurement, distribution, customer support, reverse logistics, etc.). According to Reports and Data, the logistics automation market has been growing significantly. Growing from USD 52.59 Billion in 2020, the logistics automation market is expected to register a CAGR of 12.4% to reach USD 133.21 Billion in 2028. Robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and software are all examples of logistics automation. This technology combines to make warehouse procedures more efficient, safe, and precise. What was previously unthinkable in warehouses has now become not only conceivable, but also profitable, thanks to modern automation.

Material handling and logistics automation are inextricably linked. To increase efficiency and accuracy, automated processes and technology are used to supplement the personnel. These technologies can include, among others, the following:

  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that transport totes and pallets
  • Warehouse-specific robotic arms that grasp, move, palletize, depalletize, and sort totes
  • Advanced automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RSs) with the ability to store products in racks

From the first mechanical pallet conveyors to the most recent lights-out facilities, the logistics business has always been ripe for automation. However, today's most sophisticated logistics automation technologies can be found in the cloud rather than on the warehouse floor. Automation technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) systems, and full hyper-automation platforms that orchestrate end-to-end processes involving both software and human workers are helping logistics managers eliminate operation-wide inefficiencies.

Logistics management used to be done on paper. Orders, bills of lading, and invoices were typed and passed back and forth by shippers. It was sluggish and prone to errors. In the 1970s, as computing began to take off in the industry, Electronic Data Interfaces (EDIs) were developed to share transportation data, allowing carriers to execute their first track-and-trace programs. Later, same carriers began to share such information with their customers, ushering in the present era of delivery notifications and tracking numbers included with every order.

Logistics automation tools began to face more complicated problems with the introduction of artificial intelligence. Today, AI-enabled automation solutions are automating logistical processes ranging from document verification to order tracking to predictive modelling.

Read More

B2B Websites Importers Exporters

Top 10 B2B Websites for Importers and Exporters

With e-commerce continuing to grow, the need for a B2B website is more important than ever. According to stats, in US alone, B2B eCommerce market is now worth close to $8 trillion (US) and is forecasted to grow 18.7% through 2026 and reach $18.57 trillion (US).

ecommerce revenue growth

Source: Statista

These websites offer a number of advantages over other forms of advertising and marketing. Their primary function is to help potential customers find your product or service, helping you in taking your b2b businesses to the next level.

Today, it is easier than ever to connect with overseas suppliers and buyers. Whether you're an importer of goods or an exporter of goods, the internet has made it possible to find new trading partners in just a few minutes. However, not all websites created can offer you with equal trading opportunities for this purpose. To help you get started, here are ten of the top B2B websites that can help you find new customers and suppliers.

Read More