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HELPFUL ANSWERS TO COMMON TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS FAQS
At RTL, our specialty is working with our clients to understand their business and supply chain needs. But it is also important for our prospective clients to understand what we do and how we do it. This helps to identify the areas where our expertise will benefit your company.
See below some answers that may help you. However, we are always available to answer any further questions you may have. Contact us anytime for a free consultation. Here are some answers to many questions about our Industry as well as RTL services, expertise and company structure.
Logistics management is a function where a company usually consisting of various shipping and distribution professionals provide services to analyze a company's supply chain, offer carrier and service options, and provide continued management of all or some areas of a customer's transportation needs.
No, we do not charge for our initial analysis. There is absolutely nothing to lose by having our expert logistics professionals review your shipping and distribution spend and profile. In most cases we are compensated by our providers should you utilize our services.
Commonly known as a 3PL, a third-party logistics company can provide a wide range of custom logistics solutions. Utilizing a blended model of owned assets with a vast network of specialized, dedicated, and highly vetted providers, a trustworthy 3PL can handle a variety of transportation modes and services. These include OTR, FTL, LTL, dry van, and temperature controlled, over dimensional, intermodal, and air.
By building a vast network of providers, a reputable 3PL is always ready at a moment's notice to solve the most urgent and unique challenge. Good 3PLs are operationally equipped to handle emergencies like bad weather, breakdowns, added loads, or the need for additional drivers. A 3PL is an excellent resource for last-minute changes and can provide options for tough-to-cover loads when no one else can.
When researching potential 3PLs, it helps to determine what considerations are most important to your business. Some things to consider are geography (both location of the 3PL and their service area), industry expertise (including any relevant specialties), range of solutions, carrier vetting process, amount of accessibility (around the clock versus automated updates), level of visibility, and use of technology. RTL's strategic Midwest location and commitment to the highest level of excellence, flexible solutions, transparency, and state-of-the-art TMS make us worthy of our customers' trust.
Regardless of the point in the supply chain, most companies can benefit from logistics services. While RTL works with a vast array of industries, RTL has particular expertise in manufacturing, automotive, retail, raw materials, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, cold-chain network, and government contract logistics.
RTL offers a full range of logistics solutions, including full truckload (FTL), expedited, less-than-truckload (LTL), vip services, vault storage, diplomat services, managed solutions and warehouse solutions. Our transport services include dry van and temperature controlled, intermodal, over dimensional, air cargo and charters, power only and recovery, specialized, transportation, dedicated third-party resource, supply chain, cross docking, warehousing, and distribution. Learn more about our solutions.
To drive with RTL, our providers must meet strict standards for operational practices and duration of consistent business operations. They have compliant and appropriate active operating authorities and insurance policies and may be subjected to daily vetting of required operating credentials, safety scores, compliance reporting, and network availability.
Yes, RTL offers warehousing services. Access to adequate, safe, convenient warehouse space is crucial to the everyday operation of many businesses. RTL offers warehousing and cross-docking services, with access to various dock heights to meet our customers' needs.
RTL starts with a foundation built on an unparalleled customer service model that other providers are, quite frankly, hard-pressed to match. This means that when someone contacts RTL, they're always going to speak to a live professional within two minutes, tops. Each team member is equipped to have a quote ready in 15 minutes, with a follow up in another 15. That's the 24/7/365 customer service promise that defines RTL.
RTL strives to be seen as the most exceptional and reliable logistics specialist that can expertly move any cargo from origination to its final destination without incident. We use state-of-the-art tracking technology to ensure that you have visibility into your shipment at every stage of its journey. With highly flexible processes and a team-based approach to communication, RTL is fully equipped and ready with a proposed solution.
Your carrier relationships will not be negatively affected by using a 3PL. In fact, an effective 3PL serves as an extension of your team, covering capacity issues, providing more diversified access to appropriate transportation modes and services, and more. RTL's strategic provider network of nationwide carriers who have undergone our strict vetting process makes us a valued partner resulting in your ability to expand capacity and increase availability of lanes.
Yes, we love working with small and emerging companies. RTL provides the expertise and support to help your company scale.
We offer top-notch technology solutions to handle your freight, small parcel, and E-commerce needs. Each system gives you full visibility and the tools to best manage your shipping. Request a demo so we can show you how easy it is.
Yes, we offer the services of valued freight and brokerage service providers, giving our customers options for ocean and air freight, for any import or export needs.
Yes, not only do we offer the services of our quality partners, but we can help manage your existing transportation network. At times, we may offer to blend in alternative options if beneficial.
Yes, we offer full e-commerce solutions to take the hassle of fulfillment away from our online seller customers. We can provide fulfillment services, returns services, and technology solutions that integrate with multiple shopping carts and marketplaces. We also offer discounts for USPS and other express carriers.
Having one third-party logistics provider means you have a single source to manage the needs of your supply chain from transportation, to warehousing, and distribution. This streamlined approach saves you time, resources, and allows you to focus on your business. RTL is the go to third-party logistics provider to partner with for all your supply chain needs. Our managed logistics solutions provide better visibility into your inventory and transportation needs while delivering cost and service advantages with a single, all in one approach that meets your needs.