8 Ways a 3PL Supports Its Logistics Franchises for Success

Are you interested in a rewarding career with unlimited earning potential and a work-life balance not seen in most industries? If so, starting your own logistics franchise could be the answer. It is widely considered to be among the best franchise businesses to start. That's because logistics is a recession-resistant industry with room for growth and opportunity.

As you begin to research which franchisor to partner with, it's important to understand that not all logistics franchises are built the same. Look for franchise opportunities that are backed by a well-known and respected third-party logistics (3PL) provider. These companies will provide the expertise and services you need to run your business and should also offer extensive support and training opportunities to guide you towards continued growth and success.

Below, we list the eight things that a 3PL franchise company like Unishippers does to support its franchise owners, helping you to understand what to look for as you pursue logistics careers.

1. Industry Expertise to Foster Logistics Franchise Success

3PLs are in the business of helping companies ship products with the most efficient and cost-effective methods available. So, naturally, a 3PL that is a franchisor should have a long history of experience working in the shipping industry along with expertise in a variety of shipping solutions. This will allow you, as a franchise owner, to benefit from their deep understanding of the industry and provide top services that solve real problems that shippers face.

2. Partnership With a Leading Parcel Shipping Carrier

A third-party logistics franchise works with a large number of small to midsized businesses (SMBs) who utilize small package shipping. Therefore, your 3PL should have a partnership with a leading parcel shipping carrier like UPS^®. This will allow you to offer industry-leading solutions, services and pricing. It will also make you more competitive in the marketplace, and help you stand out from other franchises that cannot support SMBs with top parcel solutions.

3. Full Suite of 3PL Franchise Freight Shipping Solutions

Logistics franchise owners work with customers of all sizes and with a variety of unique shipping needs. In fact, many companies will require freight shipping services like less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL) and specialty freight options. Bottom line, shippers expect maximum options. Owning a franchise backed by an industry-leading 3PL franchisor allows you to provide those options along with the expertise to help shippers understand which solutions are right for which shipments.

4. Innovative Technology and E-commerce Solutions

In the shipping world, a third-party logistics franchise and its customers need access to industry-leading technology to streamline processes and makes shipping easier. In fact, technology should provide a gateway for everyone along a supply chain to communicate effectively. It is imperative for a 3PL to offer an innovative transportation management system (TMS). These platforms allow you to book shipments, purchase insurance, file claims, make payments, download invoices and much more. Additionally, a 3PL should be equipped with e-commerce integration solutions that allow shippers to create better customer experiences. In total, technology can help franchises attract new customers with streamlined options and shipping experiences that make their jobs easier.

5. Advanced Training Options for 3PL Franchise Owners

To be a logistics franchise owner, you don't necessarily need to have a background in the shipping industry — but it doesn't hurt! Either way, a 3PL franchisor should provide in-depth training that will teach you about the shipping industry, the technology utilized, customer expectations and much more. They should also provide this both in the short term and long term, providing you with the tools you need as a franchise owner. The 3PL should also offer opportunities where you can talk to other franchise owners who have experienced success and are willing to share their wisdom. Look for third-party logistics franchise testimonials that detail how the 3PL helped them succeed.

6. Office and Account Management Support

Busy franchise owners might need a little assistance from time to time with accounting, billing, staffing, customer communication and more. After all, your main focus should be attracting new customers and ensuring your current ones are happy and successful. A 3PL should provide support solutions for the daily tasks that would otherwise take up your valuable time, allowing you to focus on what's most important — you and your customers.

7. Lead Generation for Third-Party Logistics Franchises

While third-party logistics franchise owners are busy making calls and knocking on doors to build relationships and grow their business, their 3PL franchisor should help by having resources in place to provide high-quality leads. These opportunities should be delivered from targeted marketing efforts like paid advertisements, search engine optimization (SEO), social media and email marketing, and provide access to potential customers.

8. Unlimited Earning Potential with No Geographic Barriers

Why would you start your own logistics franchise if you didn't have ultimate control over your business? A 3PL should provide opportunities for maximum growth, including unlimited earning potential. To do so, the 3PL should allow you to operate and seek new business with no geographic boundaries. This allows you to grow your business from wherever you live and tap into geographic areas throughout the country.

Be sure to review franchise FAQs that can answer common questions about how a 3PL franchise operates.

Unishippers Franchise Opportunities Provide Top Logistics Careers

As you do your research, you will find there are several logistics franchise opportunities on the market. To succeed as a franchise owner, you should partner with a 3PL that offers top shipping solutions, technology offerings and training opportunities.

Unishippers is an industry-leading 3PL offering top franchise opportunities. We are part of the largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS in the nation and have a carrier network of 75+ LTL and 85,000+ FTL carriers. We provide innovative technology and unlimited growth potential for those seeking logistics franchise opportunities. Interested in learning more? Reach out to our franchise team today for a consultation.