3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena

Robert Cadena and Joe Lynch provide an introduction to 3rd party logistics. 3rd party logistics services include 5 major categories: 1.) Transportation 2.) Warehousing 3.) Logistics 4.) Technology and 5.) Special Services. Robert is the Co-Founder and CEO of a company that provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 3PLs, so he has a very thorough understanding of the business.

About Robert Cadena

Robert Cadena is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lean Staffing Solutions, which provides operational, marketing, sales, and technology services to the logistics and transportation industry. Prior to the founding of Lean, Robert was the Founder and CEO of Chain Express, Corp, a full-service transportation brokerage specializing in LTL, volume, and truckload transportation. Robert's experience and expertise in transportation, logistics, technology, and executive leadership make him uniquely qualified to run one of America's fastest-growing companies. Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Florida International University.

About Lean Solutions Group

Lean Solutions Group provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 290 customers in logistics and 320 total To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win, Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 290 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company's processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services.

Key Takeaways: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics

According to CSCMP, a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) is a company that provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers.
Sometimes 3rd party logistics companies are described as:
- Asset-based – companies that own actual assets like trucks, boats, planes, warehouses
- Non-asset based – companies that don't own assets like brokerages, service providers, etc.. these companies tend to invest in technology
- Asset light – companies with assets and brokerage capabilities
The definitions are confusing because the space is so dynamic and ever-changing.
The easiest way to look at 3rd party logistics is by the service they provide, which fall into 5 buckets: 1.) Transportation 2.) Logistics 3.) Warehousing 4.) Technology 5.) Special Services
Transportation Services
- Small Package
- Air Cargo
- Less Than Truckload (LTL)
- Truckload
- Intermodal
- Ocean
- Rail
- Bulk
- Dedicated Contract Carriage
- Field Acquisition
- Equipment / Drivers
- Final Mile
Warehousing Services
- Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly
- Cross-docking
- Distribution Center Management
- Site Location
- Transloading
- Vendor Managed Inventory
- Fulfillment
Logistics Services
- LLP/4th Party Logistics
- Integrated Logistics
- Just-in-Time (JIT)
- Global Trade Svcs
- Inbound Logistics
- Logistics Process Reengineering
- Payment Auditing / Processing
- Inventory Management
- Vendor Management
- Shared Services
Technology Services
- Customer / Supplier Management
- EDI
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Freight Payment / Claims Auditing
- Global Trade Management (GTM)
- Optimization
- Predictive Analytics
- SC Design
- Sustainability
- Transportation Management System (TMS)
- Visibility
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Special Services
- Direct to Store
- Direct to Home
- Foreign Trade Zone
- Import / Export / Customs
- Reverse Logistics / Product Lifecycle Management
- Marketing / Customer Service
- Global Expansion
- Supply Chain Security Analysis
- Contingency / Crisis Planning
- Logistics/Transportation Consulting
- Labor Management
- Sustainability and Green Logistics

Learn More: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics

Robert Cadena

Lean Solutions Group

The Fastest Growing Logistics Companies with Trey Griggs

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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