Bonded Logistics, Author at Bonded Logistics

Location: Six Critical Factors When Choosing the Right 3PL Partner

The Important of Location in 3PL Partner Warehousing

By: Dave Jesse, COO

In my July post in our six-part series on the Six Critical Factors When Choosing a 3PL Partner, it’s all about location, location, location. If you have missed any posts in our series (intro, leadership, agility) you can read up by clicking HERE.

One frequently undervalued detail when dealing with a 3PL is the strategic location of their warehouses. Let’s delve into why the geographical placement of these facilities is important.

PROXIMITY TO MARKET
The primary advantage of a well-located 3PL warehouse is its proximity to target markets for outbound orders and proximity to the ports for importing goods to sell. Reduced transportation time and costs enable faster delivery, meeting customer delivery expectations and enhancing overall satisfaction. North Carolina, located in the middle of the east coast between Boston and Miami, ranked fourth by Forbes when assessing favorable business costs. The access to rail and the capabilities to reach a whopping 70% of the US population in one day results in lower logistics costs.

PROXIMITY TO PORTS
Whether you are importing goods from overseas or exporting product to end customers, proximity to the ports can help reduce lead times. With the continued congestion at the major ports in the U.S. it’s an advantage to have a 3PL like Bonded with a presence and relationship at the local ports you deal with to aid in getting inventory in and out of the country. Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah as well as two inland ports and freight rail systems makes it easy to maintain a central hub on the east coast.

OPTIMIZED TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS
A strategically placed warehouse contributes to the optimization of transportation networks. Efficient routes and reduced transit times result in cost savings and streamlined logistics operations.

REDUCED SHIPPING COSTS
Closer proximity to end-users or retail outlets translates to lower shipping costs. By strategically positioning warehouses, companies can minimize expenses associated with transportation. Major highways like I-77, I-85, I-95 and I-40 each cross the state of North Carolina which helps support the speed of your supply chain.

IMPROVED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Location plays a key role in inventory management. Placing warehouses strategically ensures that stock is positioned where it is most needed, minimizing stockouts, and improving order fulfillment times.

MARKET EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES
Well-positioned 3PL partners open avenues for market expansion. They enable companies to enter new regions and serve a broader customer base, capturing untapped markets where the 3PL’s have other locations to increase overall market share.

RISK MITIGATION
Strategic placement of warehouses helps in mitigating risks. Diversifying locations minimizes the impact of natural disasters, geopolitical issues, or other unforeseen events, ensure continuity in supply chain operations.

SEASONAL DEMAND CONSIDERATIONS
Location becomes particularly critical when dealing with seasonal demand. Warehouses strategically positioned to accommodate seasonal spikes can efficiently manage increased order volumes and maintain service levels without disruptions.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Timely and reliable deliveries directly to customers contribute to overall customer satisfaction. A 3PL partner with warehouses in strategic locations ensures that products reach customers promptly, fostering loyalty and positive brand perception.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Different regions often have specific regulations regarding product storage and transportation. Locating warehouses strategically helps in complying with unique regulatory requirements, avoiding legal complications.

CONCLUSION
The geographical location of 3PL partner warehouses like our facilities in Charlotte is not just a logistical detail; it’s a strategic imperative. Companies that recognize the importance of this factor can harness the full potential of their supply chain, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and a competitive edge in the market.

Do you have any questions, comments or are ready to start a conversation? Reach out to my team by clicking HERE.

Bonded Logistics Announces Strategic Relocation of Bonded Pac to Flagship Facility

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 11, 2024) – Bonded Logistics, a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, announces the strategic relocation of Bonded Pac to the company’s 500,000 sq. ft. flagship facility. The move is designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency and provide more cost-effective supply chain solutions for clients and prospective clients.

“We are excited about this opportunity to embed our contract packaging and manufacturing operation into our newest and largest facility,” states Scott Carr, President and Owner of Bonded Logistics. “The transition has been seamless as we expand our capabilities to offer many services that are highly valued in the region. This will also allow us to offer a more streamlined single-source supply chain solution, with our “One Bonded” approach of packaging, warehousing and transportation service offerings. Bonded is committed to a growth trajectory while continuing to offer our existing clients a consistent, high level of service.”

The new address is 5224 Gibbon Road in Charlotte, less than a half-mile away from its previous facility at 7335 Statesville Road, in the Metrolina Business Park. This move allows Bonded Pac to combine core services of contract packaging and manufacturing with storage, fulfillment and distribution solutions under one roof. In addition to enhancing production capabilities, the move also comes with the same certifications, credentials, quality and outstanding customer service that Bonded Pac clients have come to rely on.

Traditional contract packaging and manufacturing providers offer rework/repair, retail displays and a variety of packaging solutions, but lack the ability to offer distribution and transportation. By Bonded streamlining these operations, overall costs are reduced passing those savings on to the clients without compromising on quality. The increase in capacity also supports the company’s strategy to better bundle operations and meet the growing demands of our clients.

“We are excited about moving our co-man/co-pack operations into our largest distribution center,” said Jon Hayward, VP of Bonded Pac. “This strategic move not only enhances our operation efficiency but also increases our footprint just in time for the seasonal push. By streamlining our services into one building, we can minimize handling costs, streamline order processing, and reduce overall order cycle times.”

For more information about the relocation or to learn more about Bonded Pac’s comprehensive contract packaging and manufacturing solutions, visit http://www.bondedpac.com or contact the Bonded Pac team by clicking HERE. To check out the new location in Google maps, click HERE.

Agility: Six Critical Factors When Choosing the Right 3PL Partner

The Need for Agility in 3PL Operations

By: Dave Jesse, COO

In today’s post, our six-part series on the Six Critical Factors When Choosing a 3PL Partner continues with a deep-dive into agility. If you missed my first two posts (introduction and leadership) in this series, you can quickly catch up by clicking HERE.

The success of third-party logistics (3PL) operations hinges on the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Agility, the capability to respond promptly and effectively to shifts, has become a cornerstone for achieving operational excellence in the in the supply chain industry.

RAPID RESPONSE TO MARKET CHANGE
Agility enables companies like Bonded to swiftly respond to market fluctuations. Whether it’s sudden changes in demand, or disruptions in the supply chain, an agile 3PL can adjust its strategies and processes to meet the evolving needs of clients and the market.

FLEXIBILITY IN SCALABILITY
The ability to scale operations up or down based on demand is a key component of agility. 3PL providers must be equipped to handle fluctuations in inventory levels, seasonal demands, and unforeseen events. An agile operation can seamlessly adjust its resources and capabilities, ensuring optimal efficiency without compromising service quality.

TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION
Agility is closely tied to the integration of advanced technologies, whether that’s equipment on the floor or a WMS (warehouse management system). 3PL operations that leverage cutting-edge systems for real-time tracking, data analytics, and predictive modeling gain a competitive edge. These technologies empower companies like Bonded to make informed decisions swiftly, enhance visibility across the supply chain, and improve overall operational efficiency.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND RETENTION
In a time where customer expectations are constantly evolving, agility plays a pivotal role in meeting and exceeding those expectations. A 3PL that can quickly adapt to changing customer requirements of its clients, offer customized solutions, and provide transparent communication fosters long-term relationships and enhances customer satisfaction.

RISK MITIGATION
The outsourced logistics industry is inherently susceptible to various risks, from natural disasters to geopolitical events. An agile operation excels in risk mitigation by having robust contingency plans, diversified supply chain routes, and the ability to swiftly reroute orders, inventory and shipments when unforeseen challenges arise.

COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION
Agile providers actively seek collaboration and embrace innovation. This includes partnering with technology vendors, engaging in industry collaborations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies, 3PL operators can proactively address challenges and seize new opportunities.

LONG-TERM VISION AND FLEXIBILITY
Successful partnerships thrive on a shared long-term vision. Businesses and 3PLs should be aligned in their goals and be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions. This alignment ensures that both parties are committed to growing and evolving together, creating a resilient partnership capable of weathering the challenges of an ever-changing business landscape.

CONCLUSION
In the fast-paced world of logistics, where change is constant, agility emerges as the key for 3PL success. The capacity to adapt, innovate, and respond swiftly to market changes not only ensures operational efficiency but also positions 3PL providers as valuable partners in the constantly changing supply chain. As we move forward, the importance of agility in 3PL operations will only continue to grow, shaping the industry’s future and defining the success stories of those who embrace this important trait.

Do you have any questions, comments or are ready to start a conversation? Reach out to my team by clicking HERE.

Bonded Logistics Welcomes Wayne Davis as New VP of Sales and Marketing

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 22, 2024) – Bonded Logistics, a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, announces the addition of industry veteran Wayne Davis as Vice President of Sales and Marketing across the company’s warehousing, contract packaging, and transportation divisions.

“We are thrilled to have Wayne join Bonded in this leadership role,” says Scott Carr, President and Owner of Bonded Logistics. “His experience and expertise will help us continue a strategic direction for all our business divisions to find those untapped opportunities. With our goal set on growth, we are looking to Wayne’s contributions and leadership as Bonded focuses on continuing to grow throw excellence in service to new and existing clients.”

Davis joins Bonded after serving as Vice President of Business Development at Capstone Logistics, with prior stops as VP of Sales at Insource Performance Solutions and Director of Business Development at Eclipse Advantage. Davis, an accomplished manager and sales professional with high business acumen for complex sales, adds over 30 years of experience to Bonded’s leadership. Davis will report to Dave Jesse, Chief Operating Officer.

“Wayne came in and hit the ground running from day one,” remarks Jesse. “His experience in the 3PL landscape, in addition to his accomplishments in previous roles, made him a great choice for this position. He’s made an immediate impact helping us with strategic direction on our sales and marketing efforts and will definitely be integral to our long-term growth.”

Celebrating over 52 years of service in 2024, Bonded Logistics offers customized warehousing, contract packaging, and transportation solutions to support the supply chain needs of clients across a wide range of industries. As the new VP of Sales and Marketing, Davis will be tasked with increasing overall revenue through the strategic direction and execution of the sales and marketing efforts across all three of Bonded’s business units – warehousing, contract packaging, and transportation brokerage.

“I am honored to join the Bonded Logistics family as VP of Sales and Marketing,” states Davis. “We will continue to deliver supply chain solutions that leverage our core competencies in warehousing, co-packing and transportation. I’m confident that we have the leadership and team in place to drive superior value for our customers.”

Leadership: Six Critical Factors When Choosing the Right 3PL Partner

The Importance of Experienced Leadership when working with a 3PL

By: Dave Jesse, COO

In today’s post, our six-part series on the Six Critical Factors When Choosing a 3PL Partner begins with an in-depth look into Leadership. If you missed my intro post on the topics we’ll discuss in this series, you can catch up by clicking HERE.

The success of any relationship with a 3PL lies heavily on the experienced leadership running the warehouse you are storing your inventory. Having seasoned leaders is imperative when dealing with a 3PL and at Bonded, our senior leadership team has over 150 years of combined logistics experience to help serve you.

ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ethics play a pivotal role in business partnerships. Companies with strong core values, like the ones put in place by our leadership here at Bonded, are more likely to prioritize fair labor practices, social responsibility, and compliance with regulations. By choosing a 3PL partner like Bonded that shares these values, businesses can mitigate risks associated with unethical practices and build a supply chain that reflects their commitment to doing business with integrity.

STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
Experienced leaders bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic acumen to the relationship. When decisions must be made swiftly, a well-informed, seasoned leaders can navigate complexities with ease, ensuring optimal choices for the 3PL and your organization.

RISK MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE
Supply chain disruptions and unforeseen challenges are inevitable. Leaders with extensive experience have weathered many storms and can effectively mitigate risks, safeguarding the supply chain from potential pitfalls that could impact operations and customer satisfaction.

VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Engagements involve intricate relationships with external vendors. Experienced leaders understand the nuances of vendor management, fostering strong partnerships that are crucial for the seamless functioning of the supply chain and supporting their client’s business. A strong partnership with key vendors is critical when disruptions arise.

ADAPTABILITY TO INDUSTRY TRENDS
The logistics landscape is continuing to evolve, with technological advancements and industry trends shaping its course. Leaders with experience can identify and adapt to new trends, ensuring that their 3PL strategies remain aligned with the growth path of your business.

EFFICIENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
Seasoned leaders possess the ability to optimize resources effectively. Whether it’s workforce management, technology integration, or capital allocation, experienced leaders can ensure that resources are utilized efficiently, maximizing the return on investment.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH
Customer satisfaction is paramount in any business. Experienced leaders, like Wayne Davis, our new VP of Sales and Marketing, understand the importance of a customer-centric approach. They can align strategies to meet customer expectations and sense of urgency, contributing to a long-term partnership.

COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE
The logistics industry is subject to many regulations. Leaders with experience bring an understanding of compliance requirements, ensuring that the organization and its 3PL partners operate within the legal frameworks of different regions.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Clear communication is the key to successful collaborations and trust between the organizations. Experienced leaders excel in communication, ensuring that goals, expectations, and challenges are conveyed transparently, building a strong partnership between the company and its 3PL providers.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MINDSET
The pursuit of excellence is a continual journey. Seasoned leaders, like Jerry Brown, our VP of Operations, instill a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, driving efficiency gains, cost reductions, and overall enhancement of the supply chain’s performance.

CONCLUSION
The success of 3PL partnerships hinges on the quality of leadership overseeing these complex logistics operations. Experienced leaders, like those here at Bonded, bring a combination of industry knowledge, strategic insight, and invaluable skills that are indispensable in navigating the today’s supply chain landscape.

Do you have any questions, comments or are ready to start a conversation? Reach out to my team by clicking HERE.

BLI Blog Series: Six Critical Factors When Choosing the Right 3PL Partner

By Dave Jesse, COO

Everyone has heard of those Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) becoming indispensable success factors for 3PL organizations like us. On time delivery, order/inventory accuracy, cycle time, cost per order, return processing time are just a few that come to mind. Sound familiar? Over the next few months, I am excited to break down what we value as six critical factors, outside of normal KPI’s, in choosing the right 3PL partner. They are highlighted below for an overview, and we will go through each of them more in depth in our upcoming blog series.

LEADERSHIP
The success of any relationship with a 3PL lies heavily on the experience of the leadership running the warehouse you are working with. Having seasoned leaders like we do at Bonded is imperative when dealing with 3PL engagements.

AGILITY
The success of 3PL operations hinges on the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Agility, the capability to respond promptly and effectively to shifts in the supply chain, has become a cornerstone for achieving operational excellence which is something we pride ourselves on every day.

LOCATION
One often undervalued detail when dealing with a 3PL is the strategic location of the warehouses. Your target markets for outbound orders, proximity to ports, optimized transportation networks and more should play a big role in selecting your 3PL provider.

QUALITY
In the complex web of supply chain management, the importance of high-quality 3PL operations cannot be emphasized enough. It goes beyond mere execution – it is about building lasting partnerships, driving efficiency, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

SENSE OF URGENCY
3PL’s play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods from point A to point B. One key attribute that distinguishes exceptional 3PL services is a corporate-driven sense of urgency that aligns with client expectations.

TECHNOLOGY
Choosing a 3PL provider involves considering various factors, and technology plays a crucial role in this decision-making process. When choosing a 3PL provider, evaluating their technological capabilities and alignment with your business requirements is crucial for long-term success.

The normal KPIs help 3PL providers and their clients measure efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. I am excited to take it a step further in this series of the six critical factors I mentioned above that should contribute to effective logistics management for your company.

Do you have any questions, comments or are ready to start a conversation? Reach out to my team by clicking HERE.

Bonded Logistics Selects CargoShot’s Groundbreaking “Proof of Condition” Solution for Freight Shipments

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (January 11, 2024) – CargoShot, Inc., an innovator in the supply chain and logistics technology sector, announced that Bonded Logistics has deployed the CargoShot proof of condition platform across its network. Bonded is a global 3PL provider based in Charlotte, North Carolina with nearly three million square feet of facility space across 12 locations in the Southeast.

This partnership is set to redefine industry standards with an advanced “proof of condition” solution, designed to significantly reduce costly chargebacks while elevating overall customer satisfaction. Central to this collaboration is the crucial role of visually documenting freight condition to strengthen customer loyalty and confidence.

“In navigating the intricacies of the supply chain, our ‘proof of condition’ solution promises to be a game-changer, mitigating risks, enhancing performance, and ensuring satisfaction for both logistics companies and their valued customers” said Jon Van Winkle, CEO of CargoShot Inc. “We’re on a mission to help 3PL providers like Bonded Logistics eliminate billions of dollars in waste and inefficiency.”

Bonded Logistics commitment to fostering innovation and setting new benchmarks within the logistics landscape is what sets them apart. “Providing visual proof of freight condition not only safeguards against disputes but also instills trust by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability,” remarked Dave Jesse, COO of Bonded Logistics. “CargoShot” solution has allowed us to elevate service levels and reinforce client relationships.”

Holding Accountable for Excellence

Incorporating “proof of condition” into the logistics process empowers shippers and 3PLs to hold other parties accountable within the supply chain. The visual evidence ensures prompt identification and resolution of errors or mishandling, preventing disruptions and financial losses.

Minimizing Financial Exposure: A Revolutionary Solution

The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the logistics sector, grappling with rising costs related to fines, penalties, and damage claims. By introducing a comprehensive “proof of condition” solution, CargoShot empowers logistics companies like Bonded to minimize financial exposure, resulting in a positive impact on overall financial performance.

About CargoShot

CargoShot is a trailblazer in technology solutions for the supply chain and logistics marketplace. Specializing in tracking freight condition across the supply chain, CargoShot empowers shippers and logistics companies to deliver high-quality freight, elevate service levels, increase customer satisfaction and retention, and improve financial performance through reduced exposure to costly chargebacks. Learn more at www.cargoshot.com.

About Bonded Logistics

Bonded Logistics is a global third-party logistics (3PL) provider based in Charlotte, N.C. with nearly 3,000,000 sq. ft. across a mix of 12 multi-client and dedicated buildings. Privately owned, Bonded integrates warehousing, contract packaging, and transportation services to offer a single-source supply chain solution to its broad client base. Since 1972, Bonded Logistics has been committed to providing its clients with customized, innovative, and superior solution-based logistics. For more information, please visit www.bondedlogistics.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

press@cargoshot.com

Bonded Logistics Opens Second Location in Concord, NC with 200K Sq. Ft. Warehouse

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 20, 2023) – Bonded Logistics, a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, announces the opening of a second location in Concord, NC, a 200,000 sq. ft. public warehouse located in the River Oaks Corporate Center. This expansion, officially opening in December, provides a blank canvas that can be built-to-suit current and future client needs.

“The Concord area continues to offer great warehouse space for our business,” said Scott Carr, President and Owner of Bonded Logistics. “When the opportunity to secure additional space arose, especially close to where we already had a warehouse, we seized it. This facility significantly enhances our network footprint, catering not only to our existing clients but also opening doors to new possibilities.”

Located in Suite B at 8400 Automation Drive north of Uptown Charlotte, the newest warehouse features bulk and rack storage capabilities, 32’ ceilings, and over 30 dock doors. Bonded took over lease of the space in the summer so that its contract packaging division, Bonded Pac, could complete several major holiday retail display projects. It is now transitioning over to warehouse space for outsourced services like distribution, manufacturing support, and overflow storage.

“We are witnessing an increasing number of medium to large-scale companies turning to 3PLs like Bonded for tailored solutions to tackle their supply chain challenges,” stated Jan McCormick, Jr., Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. “Beyond the conventional requests for distribution, storage, and manufacturing support, we are now being sought after for comprehensive, integrated solutions that involve all divisions of the company.”

One of the Charlotte region’ s largest third-party logistics providers, Bonded Logistics has spent the last 51 years providing warehousing, contract packaging, transportation services for businesses in industries such as consumer goods, food and beverage, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. Privately owned and operated, the company prides itself on creating lasting partnerships with their clients through service excellence, teamwork and innovation.

The opening of this latest facility takes the company’s total footprint to nearly 3,000,000 sq. ft. across a mix of 12 multi-client and dedicated buildings in NC and SC. To learn more about the company and its third-party logistics services, please visit www.bondedlogistics.com.

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