While selling locally has its advantages, there are opportunities to explore by expanding your business across borders. If you have a product in high demand, there’s a chance that people in other countries will be looking for them, too.
However, expanding internationally means finding ways to manage cross-border e-commerce, especially when it comes to logistics. Although more challenging than delivering to local customers, working with the right cross-border third-party logistics (3PL) service providers can make it worth it.
Here’s what you should know before searching for the right international logistics partner for your business.
Also read: What is Cross Border Ecommerce?
What is cross-border 3PL?
If you outsource your logistics to a local 3PL, you already know what it is. But cross-border third-party logistics (3PL) refers to the outsourcing of logistics and supply chain management services that involve the movement of goods across international borders.
Companies engaging in cross-border trade face unique challenges related to customs, regulations, transportation, and coordination across different countries.
Cross-border 3PL providers specialize in offering logistics solutions that address these challenges and facilitate the smooth flow of goods between countries.
#NinjaTip: Get shipping and logistics solutions tailored to your business needs. Ninja Van is your one-stop logistics partner to optimize your business for growth. Discover what we can do for your business.
Benefits of cross-border 3PL solutions
By using cross-border 3PL solutions, you can take advantage of these benefits:
- Speed and efficiency. With logistics experts managing your inventory and international orders, fulfillment can be streamlined and provide your customers with a better experience. Additionally, you can focus on other tasks, like marketing and product development.
- Cost-effective operations.By outsourcing logistics, you don’t have to invest in your own international infrastructure and staff for international operations. This can be the more cost-effective solution for expanding your business internationally.
- Cost-optimized growth. As your business grows, your logistics needs could change. Cross-border 3PL providers have the capacity to streamline or expand their services to accommodate your business.
- Local customs and logistics expertise. Cross-border 3PL providers know the rules and regulations of different countries. They navigate customs procedures smoothly, reducing the risk of delays or fines.
- Seamless logistics: Rather than dealing with multiple logistics partners for shipping inventory, warehousing, fulfillment and delivery, you can have one service provider to handle all these tasks.
Considerations when choosing a cross-border 3PL
Not all 3PL providers offer the same services or quality. That’s why it’s important to check your options before choosing who to work with.
These are some cross-border logistics considerations to keep in mind when comparing service providers.
- Strategic location and network: A good cross-border 3PL partner should have an established presence in the countries you want to do business in. This ensures smooth and seamless operations wherever there’s an opportunity to find international customers.
- Facilities, technology, and tools: The right technology and facilities can streamline logistics processes that make each task more efficient. The point of cross-border 3PL is to reduce the time it takes to fulfill international orders, so ensuring your service provider has the means to complete orders is crucial.
- International experience: Your 3PL service provider will be responsible for fulfilling orders, which can also include returns and after-sales service. Having an international facility with staff who understand the language and culture will make it easier to manage a target market that doesn’t share your language.
- Customer support: After-sales customer support can affect your brand identity abroad, and your 3PL service provider will reflect your brand. Choose a provider that offers quality customer support and provides you with ways to keep track of your inventory, orders and customer service.
- Pricing: 3PL companies have different rates, but instead of choosing the cheapest one also consider their pricing structure, packages and inclusive services. Make sure there are no hidden fees, and the costs are transparent.
Why Ninja Van is the right choice for cross-border 3PL solutions
With a trusted logistics brand like Ninja Van, you can leverage our extensive network and trust us to handle the entire logistics process. Explore potential success internationally when you can have these advantages with Ninja Van as your cross-border 3PL partner:
- Established international presence: Ninja Van has established international operations throughout Southeast Asia and China. If you’d like to explore cross-border e-commerce, these countries offer plenty of opportunities – and Ninja Van has the facilities to provide seamless logistics in these areas.
- Efficient and effective delivery: With a 95% SLA, we offer reliable solutions that get your inventory and packages to the right destination. Our seamless operations minimize the risk of error or miscommunication that can result in lost parcels or delays.
- Competitive logistics prices: Ninja Van offers flexible cross-border solutions, our solutions are suitable for small online businesses and Filipino entrepreneurs who want to explore feasible opportunities outside the country.
- Real-time tracking: Keep track of your international orders through our advanced tracking tools. This allows you to stay on top of inventory in international hubs and warehouses and international orders.
- Returns and customer service support: Our services don’t end after we’ve delivered your products to your customer. We can provide your customers with convenient return solutions and reduce the risk of damaged inventory during transport.
Ninja Van is your partner for venturing into new opportunities across Southeast Asia and China.
Get more information on our cross-border solution for businesses today.
More tips to optimize your business logistics:
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Common Inventory Management Problems and Solutions
Full Truckload VS Less Than Truckload Shipping
