The value of 3PL

3rd Party Logistics (3PL) is on the rise in Europe, with technology playing a critical role in this. The term 3PL encompasses a wide range of services and shipping solutions, such as LTL (less-than-truckload) and truckload brokerage, intermodal, transportation management, freight forwarding, value-added logistics, warehousing, reverse logistics and final-mile. Currently, there are numerous technological trends within 3PL services. Digital tracking technology is becoming more and more prevalent, whilst API connectivity is another key focus for much of the industry.

Coyote, a leading global third-party logistics provider that matches more than 10,000 shipments every day, have spoken to one of their carriers, Greek company Marinos Trans, about the way in which they use 3PL.

Q&A with Monika Deligianni, Intra Europe Manager of Marinos Trans:

Coyote: What are some of your day-to-day business challenges?
Monika Deligiannis: The biggest challenge that we have now is our competition. When we started, we were the first to move refrigerated trucks, but now there are many others. Some of these newer companies accept rates that are below the actual cost to transport in order to avoid driving empty. It’s hard to keep up, but you don’t have a choice – after all, we have to keep our trucks moving.

C: Besides competition, are there any other challenges you’re facing?
MD: It is challenging to consistently find the right freight to keep our trucks moving but having a partner with a sizeable network like Coyote Logistics is very helpful. Being able to tap into a huge network of customers allows us to find freight that we couldn’t have found on our own. At times when capacity is low, like around certain holidays or when our trucks are in places where it’s harder to find freight, Coyote is there.

C: You mentioned that we have helped you to overcome some of the challenges you’re facing. Can you share what made you start to work with us to begin with?
MD: Our first contact at Coyote was with a rep named George. We talked quite often and we could see how motivated he was to learn more about our business. This personal touch made the difference. But the same way he learned about us, we learned about Coyote. George took his time to answer questions, explain how Coyote operates and what opportunities are available to us. It was only a short matter of time before we found lanes we could start hauling.

C: We’ve been working together for several years now. Can you tell us more about your experience working with Coyote?
MD: So far we are very happy with our relationship. Not only has Coyote been able to provide us with solutions and freight that we couldn’t have found on our own, but you always pay on time. It is a big relief not having to worry about delayed payments.