In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, success often depends on strategic partnerships. For many companies, one of the most impactful decisions they can make is to outsource logistics. In fact, 62% of businesses that already outsource logistics are expanding their use of third-party logistics providers (3PLs)—and for good reason.
If you’re considering outsourcing your logistics operations, here are 19 compelling advantages to help guide your decision.
Cost Savings That Add Up
1. Lower Overall Logistics Costs
According to the 2021 State of Logistics Outsourcing Report, 68% of shippers say using 3PLs helps reduce total logistics costs.
2. No Need for Costly Infrastructure
3PLs already have warehouses, systems, and staff in place—saving you the major investment of building your own.
3. Avoid Tech Spend
Access advanced warehouse and transportation management systems without purchasing, programming, or maintaining them yourself.
4. Skip the Fleet Investment
With options like dedicated contract carriage, you get the benefits of a private fleet—without the cost of owning and maintaining vehicles.
5. Leverage Freight Buying Power
3PLs negotiate better rates thanks to their higher freight volumes, saving you money per shipment.
6. Share Freight Costs
Load consolidation with other shippers allows you to benefit from lower full-truckload rates.
7. Reduce Freight Liability
Liability shifts to the carrier, which handles drivers, insurance, and accident-related risks.
Flexibility and Agility to Scale Fast
8. Turn Fixed Costs into Variable Costs
Scale space and labor up or down with demand, aligning costs with your revenue.
9. Accelerate Market Entry
A 3PL can get you operational in a new market within 30–60 days—far faster than building your own distribution network.
10. Flexible Workforce
3PLs use temporary and virtual labor models to manage volume spikes without long-term commitments.
11. Scalable Infrastructure
National and global 3PL networks let you expand quickly with lower upfront costs.
Customer Service That Sets You Apart
12. Secure More Capacity
3PLs attract carriers with steady, predictable freight volumes, giving you access to transportation others can’t match.
13. Boost Customer Satisfaction
88% of 3PL users report improved service levels thanks to outsourcing.
14. Faster Speed to Market
3PLs can quickly mobilize resources to meet tight delivery timelines and demanding customer expectations.
15. Enhanced Visibility
Integrated tracking, ERP/WMS connections, and real-time updates help you keep customers informed and confident.
Better Business Performance and Focus
16. Gain Industry Perspective
3PLs serve many industries and clients, offering best practices that help you stay ahead of the curve.
17. Actually Gain More Control
Real-time visibility and analytics from 3PL systems let you plan and manage logistics with greater confidence.
18. Drive Continuous Improvement
With dedicated engineers and analysts, 3PLs are constantly optimizing for better cost and service performance.
19. Focus on What You Do Best
Instead of building supply chain expertise in-house, you can partner with experts and concentrate on growing your core business.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing logistics isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s a strategic move that boosts flexibility, improves customer satisfaction, and lets you scale smarter. Whether you’re a growing business or an established brand expanding into new markets, a trusted 3PL partner can be the competitive edge you need.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s talk about how outsourcing logistics with BGL can help streamline your operations and power your growth.