Why Now is the Time to Review Your 3PL Solution for 2026
By: Sean Fox, Marketing and Communications Manager
As we bring 2025 to an end, a lot of companies we work with are finalizing budgets, planning for growth, and setting priorities for the year ahead. One area that gets overlooked frequently, until it becomes a problem, is around outsourcing, specifically 3PL solutions which we do every day. Conducting a thorough review of your logistics costs and solutions now, before the new year begins, can help protect margins, improve efficiency, and ensure your supply chain is ready to roll in 2026.
Here are our top five reasons why year-end is the perfect time to evaluate everything outsourcing for 2026 …
1. Rates Shift Quickly
Like everything else in today’s world, costs are static and that goes for transportation, labor, and warehousing as well. Fuel prices, labor availability, and fluctuating demand can all impact what you pay for fulfillment and logistics services. A quick review with our solutions team at Bonded Logistics allows you to see exactly where your costs are and whether your current 3PL solution is still competitive.
2. Peak Season Reveals True Performance
Q2/Q3 is the busiest time of year for most supply chains we deal with. Your 3PL’s performance during your peak season and/or holiday rush provides a clear picture of their reliability and scalability. Delayed deliveries, inventory inaccuracies or missed shipments can be costly. If those issues are identified too late, they will easily carry over into the new year. Reviewing pricing alongside performance ensures your logistics spend is delivering real value… and now is a great time to evaluate your 3PL partners.
3. Budget Planning Requires Accurate Forecasts
Like most organizations, our customers are finalizing their budgets this time of year. Late Q4 is a natural window to evaluate your current strategy, identify potential improvements, and adjust forecasts and KPI’s. Reviewing your 3PL solution now ensures that your logistics spend aligns with your business goals and avoids any surprises that can disrupt your 2026.
4. Opportunities to Optimize Value and Service
Year-end is not just about evaluating costs; it is about maximizing value. By reviewing your 3PL provider, you can explore opportunities to consolidate shipments or storage locations, implement cost-saving packaging strategies, and/or leverage value-added services like kitting, assembly, or repackaging to optimize your supply chain. Bonded Logistics has our own in-house contract packaging services division Bonded Pac and our own transportation brokerage, Bonded Transportation, that can help reduce your total spend without compromising service quality. It’s all under one roof, it’s all what we call One Bonded.
5. Prepare for Growth in 2026
If you plan to launch new products, expand into new channels or grow your existing customer base next year, your logistics needs may change. Bonded Logistics provides flexibility and adaptability to help our clients at any time. A review in late Q4 ensures your 3PL can support your growth plans, helping you avoid unexpected costs, bottlenecks, and/or delays.
How Bonded Can Help
We mentioned earlier how we have Bonded Pac and Bonded Transportation all under one roof with our warehousing division. Our team specializes in helping businesses evaluate their pricing, optimize supply chain operations, and align strategies with growth plans. Partnering with someone like Bonded before the end of the year can ensure your 2026 logistics spend is competitive. We can help identify opportunities for process improvements along with leveraging value-added services to support growth and flexibility.
Don’t wait until we are well into the new year when something goes wrong. Take some time now to review your 3PL provider and current solution, if you have not already, and set your supply chain up for a smoother, more profitable 2026. If you’re interested in seeing how we can help, click HERE to fill out a quick form about your current setup and we’ll be in touch!